The Star Alliance Executive Board has approved the initiation of the procedure for ITA Airways to join the largest global airline alliance. The decision comes after ITA Airways became the newest member of the Lufthansa Group, which holds a 41% stake in the airline, in February 2025. ITA Airways thus joins Lufthansa Airlines, SWISS, Austrian Airlines and Brussels Airlines, among other carriers and members of the Lufthansa Group.
Marking this important step, Star Alliance CEO Theo Panagiotoulias said: “We expect ITA Airways to join us as a full member of the Star Alliance network in early 2026. The decision by our Executive Board reflects the great confidence our members have in ITA Airways. As a key link for Italy, its accession further strengthens our global network, enabling a seamless customer experience and connected travel for even more passengers worldwide.”
Joerg Eberhart, CEO and General Manager of ITA Airways, added: “We are delighted to join the Star Alliance network and to bring a touch of Italian excellence to the alliance, further expanding its global reach. This is a significant milestone in the development of ITA Airways and we look forward to providing our passengers with the benefits of membership in the world’s largest airline network.”
ITA Airways will add 360 daily flights to its global network, further strengthening Star Alliance’s presence in Europe. The biggest growth is expected in the home cities of ITA Airways, especially in Rome and Milan, which are currently served by 16 Star Alliance members.
“I am proud that ITA Airways will become the fifth airline within the Lufthansa Group to join Star Alliance. As a mentor during the accession process, we will do everything we can to ensure a smooth and rapid integration. ITA Airways’ future membership will bring Star Alliance passengers numerous new opportunities for personalized travel planning,” said Dieter Vranckx, Chief Commercial Officer of the Lufthansa Group.
Upon completion of ITA Airways’ accession, the Star Alliance network will grow to 26 members, offering more than 18,000 daily flights connecting 192 countries. The accession process will now proceed at full speed, with the Italian flag carrier expected to join the alliance in early 2026, Star Alliance said in a press release.
