ITA Airways To Start Integration Process Into Star Alliance & Here’s All You Need To Know About It

ITA Airways has received the nod of approval to start the integration process into Star Alliance. This decision paves the way for Italy’s flag carrier to enter into the world’s largest airline alliance. If all things go well, ITA Airways is expected to join the Star Alliance network as a full member by next year. Scroll on to know more about this.

ITA Airways Gets Nod For Integration Into Star Alliance

Following a verdict by the Star Alliance Chief Executive Board (CEB), ITA Airways is set to start integration into Star Alliance. Building on its induction into the Lufthansa Group earlier this year, entry for Italy’s national carrier into the world’s largest airline alliance is expected in early 2026.

According to the press release, the onboarding process will now move at full throttle. Marking this milestone, Star Alliance Chief Executive Officer Theo Panagiotoulias said, “In early 2026, ITA Airways is expected to officially join the Star Alliance network as a full member. The decision by our Chief Executive Board underscores the strong confidence our members have in ITA Airways. As a gateway for Italy, its addition strengthens our global network, offering seamless and connected journeys to more travellers worldwide.”

Lufthansa Group will mentor the Italian airline through its integration journey into Star Alliance, leveraging on its legacy. It is to be noted that ITA Airways will become the fifth hub airline of the Lufthansa Group to join Star Alliance.

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Will Strengthen Alliance’s Footprint In The European Region

Upon completing induction with ITA Airways, the Star Alliance network will grow to 26 member airlines. Together, they will be offering over 18,000 daily flights connecting 192 countries. ITA Airways will add around 360 daily flights to the Alliance network. This will help strengthen the Alliance’s footprint in the European region. Reportedly, the biggest growth will come from the airline’s home cities, especially Rome and Milan. Currently, the region is served by 16 Star Alliance members collectively.

Celebrating this integration, Joerg Eberhart, CEO and General Manager of ITA Airways, said, “We are excited to join the Star Alliance network and to bring the excellence of Made in Italy into the alliance, further enhancing its global reach. This is a significant milestone in ITA Airways’ growth, and we look forward to offering our customers the future privileges of the world’s largest airline network.”

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