ITA Airways Joins Lufthansa Group and Leaves SkyTeam: What Changes for Passengers?

On February 3, 2025, ITA Airways held its first press conference of the year at its headquarters in Rome Fiumicino. The event marked a significant milestone for the airline, officially confirming its integration into the Lufthansa Group and its departure from the SkyTeam alliance. These changes bring several new benefits and adjustments for passengers flying with ITA Airways.

New Loyalty Program Partnership

SkyTeam Departure and Transition to Star Alliance

ITA Airways also confirmed its departure from the SkyTeam alliance.

The exit process will be finalized by April 30, 2025, ensuring a structured and efficient transition with minimal disruption to passenger benefits.

Despite leaving SkyTeam, ITA Airways will maintain bilateral agreements with selected airlines from the alliance, preserving certain advantages for travelers.

Looking ahead, ITA Airways has announced its intention to join Star Alliance, the world’s largest airline alliance.

The integration process is expected to be completed by early 2026, further strengthening the airline’s connectivity and global reach.

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Enhanced Passenger Benefits

With the Lufthansa Group partnership, ITA Airways passengers will soon enjoy a range of new benefits, including:

• Lounge Access: ITA Airways travelers will gain access to approximately 130 Lufthansa Group lounges worldwide. Likewise, Lufthansa Group passengers will be able to use ITA Airways’ lounges.
• Terminal Optimization: ITA Airways will relocate its operations to Lufthansa Group terminals in Frankfurt and Munich, streamlining passenger transfers. In other Lufthansa Group hubs, ITA Airways is already operating from the same terminals as its partner airlines.
• Codeshare Agreements: ITA Airways and Lufthansa Group airlines will implement codeshare agreements, allowing passengers to combine flights across multiple carriers. ITA Airways customers will gain access to around 250 destinations served by Lufthansa Group, while Lufthansa passengers will have easier access to ITA Airways’ network.
• Optimized Flight Connections: Flights between Lufthansa Group’s hubs (Frankfurt, Munich, Zurich, Vienna, and Brussels) and ITA Airways’ key airports (Rome Fiumicino and Milan Linate) will be coordinated to offer improved schedules, increased frequency, and shorter layovers for travelers.

Read also: The best ways to travel from Fiumicino Airport to Florence

A New Era for ITA Airways

The integration with Lufthansa Group marks a new chapter for ITA Airways, bringing passengers an expanded network, improved connectivity, and enhanced travel perks.

As the airline transitions from SkyTeam to Star Alliance, customers can expect a seamless shift with continued benefits. With these changes, ITA Airways is positioning itself as a stronger global player, offering a more comprehensive and competitive service for international travelers.

For those frequently flying between Italy and major European destinations, these developments promise a more efficient and rewarding experience. As the transition progresses, ITA Airways passengers can look forward to further announcements on new benefits and enhanced travel options.