ITA Airways Set to Join Star Alliance in Early 2026

ITA Airways, Italy’s national carrier, has officially received approval to begin the process of joining Star Alliance. This decision follows a favorable verdict from the Star Alliance Chief Executive Board (CEB) and marks a significant step in the airline’s growth. ITA Airways, which entered the Lufthansa Group earlier this year, will now proceed with its integration into the world’s largest airline alliance, with full membership expected by early 2026.

A Milestone for ITA Airways and Star Alliance

Theo Panagiotoulias, CEO of Star Alliance, celebrated the milestone, stating, “In early 2026, ITA Airways will officially join the Star Alliance network as a full member. The decision by our Chief Executive Board demonstrates the confidence our members have in ITA Airways. Its addition will enhance our global network, offering seamless travel experiences to more passengers around the world.”

Joerg Eberhart, CEO of ITA Airways, echoed this excitement, saying, “We are thrilled to join Star Alliance and bring the excellence of Made in Italy into the network. This is a significant moment for ITA Airways, and we are excited to offer our customers the benefits of the world’s largest airline network.”

Strengthening the Star Alliance Network

With the integration of ITA Airways, the Star Alliance network will add 360 daily flights, greatly strengthening its presence in Europe. Rome and Milan, ITA Airways’ home cities, will see the most growth, as they are already served by 16 Star Alliance members. The addition of ITA Airways will further bolster the Alliance’s European footprint and improve connectivity for travelers worldwide.

As part of its onboarding process, Lufthansa Group, with its established presence in Star Alliance, is mentoring ITA Airways through the integration journey. Dieter Vranckx, Chief Commercial Officer of the Lufthansa Group, said, “We are proud that ITA Airways will become the fifth hub airline of the Lufthansa Group to join Star Alliance. We are committed to ensuring a smooth and swift integration process and believe ITA Airways will be a fantastic addition to the Alliance.”

Looking Ahead: Growth and Opportunities

Once ITA Airways completes its integration, the Star Alliance network will expand to include 26 member airlines, offering over 18,000 daily flights to 192 countries. This growth presents a wealth of new opportunities for passengers, with an even broader range of destinations and personalized travel planning options available.

Founded in 1997, Star Alliance was the first truly global airline alliance, designed to offer customers extensive reach, seamless service, and worldwide recognition. With member airlines that include global leaders such as Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, and United, Star Alliance continues to lead the industry in providing exceptional customer experiences and connectivity worldwide.