Italy’s ITA will join Star Alliance in 2026

Italy’s ITA Airways will join Star Alliance early next year, taking a spot alongside new majority owner Lufthansa and heavy-hitters such as ANA, Singapore Airlines and United Airlines.

Star Alliance today confirmed the timeline, with CEO Theo Panagiotoulias saying “in early 2026, ITA Airways is expected to officially join the Star Alliance network as a full member. As a gateway for Italy, its addition strengthens our global network, offering seamless and connected journeys to more travellers worldwide.”

ITA Airways will add 360 daily flights to the Star Alliance network; the biggest growth will come from its home cities, especially Rome and Milan, which are currently served by 16 Star Alliance members collectively.

“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," added ITA Airways CEO Joerg Eberhart.

“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."

ITA, which launched in 2021 as successor to the bankrupt Alitalia, previously belonged to the SkyTeam family.

That relationship end after the European Commission approved Lufthansa’s acquisition of a 41% stake in ITA Airways, with an option for full ownership later, expanding its reach in southern Europe

ITA has also closed its Volare frequent flyer program and switched to the powerhouse Miles & More scheme of Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian and others in the Lufthansa Group.