ITA Airways has officially joined Star Alliance in Terminal 3 of Rome Fiumicino Airport, and was attended by ITA Airways CEO and General Manager Joerg Eberhart, Star Alliance CEO Theo Panagiotoulias, and Lufthansa Group Chief Commercial Officer Dieter Vranckx, alongside media and institutional guests.
Effective April 1, ITA Airways is fully integrated into the Alliance’s network, connecting its Rome Fiumicino and Milan Linate hubs with 17 Star Alliance member carriers. Together, the network now offers seamless access to more than 1,150 destinations worldwide. Passengers can benefit from through check-in, reciprocal frequent flyer recognition, and access to Star Alliance lounges, creating a smoother and more connected travel experience in and out of Italy.
“On behalf of our members, I am delighted to welcome ITA Airways as the 26th member of Star Alliance,” said Theo Panagiotoulias. “This achievement reflects months of dedicated collaboration. With ITA Airways joining, we expand our network to and from Italy while enhancing the travel experience across multiple airlines—offering lounge access, integrated loyalty benefits, baggage tracking, and other services designed to elevate every journey.”
Joerg Eberhart highlighted the strategic importance of the move: “Joining Star Alliance represents a historic milestone for ITA Airways and a defining step in our growth. Our membership extends our international reach and provides passengers with a more seamless, consistent, and high-quality travel experience. With over 1,150 destinations accessible through the network, smoother connections, and integrated services, we combine global standards of excellence with the warmth and elegance that define Italian aviation.”
The integration of ITA Airways into Star Alliance was supported and mentored by the Lufthansa Group, with expert teams across the group facilitating an intensive programme to align operations, technology, and customer services. Dieter Vranckx commented: “This membership was made possible through the strong commitment and close collaboration of dedicated teams at ITA Airways, Lufthansa Group, and Star Alliance. Together, we are delivering enhanced connectivity, unlocking joint value propositions for customers, partners, and the wider Alliance ecosystem.”
ITA Airways, which serves over 16 million passengers annually, adds more than 350 daily flights to the Alliance network. The carrier’s extensive domestic and regional footprint improves connectivity within Italy and Southern Europe while strengthening links to key international markets. Eligible customers gain access to priority services, lounge access across the Alliance network, and reciprocal frequent flyer recognition. Star Alliance Gold members additionally benefit from ITA Airways lounges in Rome, Milan, and Catania.
With ITA Airways onboard, Star Alliance now comprises 26 member airlines, offering more than 17,500 daily flights across 190 countries, further solidifying its position as the world’s leading airline network and providing travellers with unparalleled reach and connectivity.
