Italy’s ITA Airways Enters Star Alliance Unlocking New Benefits For Global Travellers

Written By: Sriti Das

Sriti Das

Professional SEO Content Writer with 3+ years of experience creating engaging, well-researched, and search engine–optimized content. Skilled in writing news articles, blogs, website copy, and SEO content that improves online visibility and drives organic traffic. Passionate about delivering accurate, reader-focused content that combines strong storytelling with effective SEO strategies.

See Full Bio

September 7, 2026 3:29 PM

ITA Airways has kicked off a new chapter for international travel as it recently joined the ranks of Star Alliance. The new development is a result of Lufthansa Group’s investment into ITA Airways and allows the airline to improve its position through the main hubs located at Fiumicino Airport in Rome and Linate Airport in Milan. The move will significantly benefit passengers giving them access to a wider global airline network, convenient flight connections, loyalty programme advantages and enhanced airport services. As ITA Airways has joined one of the biggest airline alliances in the world, passengers will have a chance to travel across Europe and beyond with ease.

ITA Airways Expands Global Travel Network Through Star Alliance Membership

ITA Airways has officially completed its transition from SkyTeam to Star Alliance, marking a significant change for passengers searching for better international connections. As Italy’s national airline joins the alliance, travellers gain access to a wider network connecting Italian cities with destinations worldwide. The airline’s key hubs at Rome Fiumicino (FCO) and Milan Linate (LIN) now become important gateways within the Star Alliance network. These airports provide travellers with more convenient options for connecting flights, especially for journeys between Europe, North America, Asia and other international markets.

Through Star Alliance membership, ITA Airways passengers can benefit from:

• Access to a global network covering more than 1,150 destinations worldwide.
• Easier connections between ITA Airways and Star Alliance member airlines.
• Through check-in services for eligible connecting journeys.
• Frequent flyer recognition across partner airlines.
• Access to Star Alliance lounges for eligible passengers.

For holidaymakers planning Italian vacations, the change could make travel planning simpler. International visitors arriving in Italy can now combine ITA Airways flights with other Star Alliance carriers while enjoying a more connected journey.

Rome Fiumicino And Milan Linate Become Stronger Gateways For Tourists

The inclusion of ITA Airways into Star Alliance strengthens Italy’s aviation position by enhancing the importance of its two primary hubs. Rome Fiumicino Airport serves as the airline’s main international gateway, connecting travellers to Italy’s historic capital and popular destinations across the country.

For tourists, Rome remains one of the world’s most visited cities, attracting travellers with attractions such as ancient heritage sites, museums, food experiences and cultural landmarks. Stronger international connectivity through ITA Airways could encourage more visitors to use Rome as an entry point for exploring Italy. Meanwhile, Milan Linate Airport provides a convenient connection for travellers visiting northern Italy. Milan’s position as a business, fashion and cultural centre makes it an important destination for leisure and business passengers.

The stronger Star Alliance presence at both airports can support:

• Faster international connections.
• More flexible flight combinations.
• Improved options for multi-city European holidays.
• Greater accessibility to Italian regions.

By strengthening these hubs, ITA Airways is positioning Italy as a more connected destination within the global tourism network.

Travellers Gain New Loyalty Benefits Through Miles & More Programme

One of the biggest changes for frequent travellers is the transition from ITA Airways’ former Volare loyalty programme into Lufthansa Group’s Miles & More ecosystem. The move provides passengers with access to a larger rewards structure linked with Lufthansa Group airlines and Star Alliance partners. Frequent flyers travelling with ITA Airways can now benefit from a broader loyalty platform where miles can be earned and redeemed across participating airlines. Miles & More members can also earn and redeem miles on ITA Airways flights.

Key passenger advantages include:

• More opportunities to collect and use miles.
• Access to a wider range of reward flights.
• Recognition of frequent flyer status.
• Greater flexibility for international travellers.

For tourists who regularly travel between Italy and other countries, this change offers a more integrated travel rewards experience. Passengers flying from major markets such as the United States, Canada, India and Asia can benefit from combining ITA Airways flights with other Star Alliance airlines.

Star Alliance Integration Creates Smoother International Travel Experiences

Airline alliances play a major role in modern tourism because they allow passengers to travel across multiple airlines with fewer complications. ITA Airways’ entry into Star Alliance creates a smoother experience for travellers planning complex international journeys. For example, a tourist travelling from the United States to Italy can book a journey involving an American Star Alliance airline and ITA Airways while enjoying coordinated services. Similarly, travellers from Asia or the Middle East can connect through European hubs more efficiently.

The integration also improves benefits for premium travellers. Eligible passengers can access airport lounges, priority services and other benefits while travelling through the Star Alliance network. For international tourism, these improvements can encourage more visitors to choose Italy as part of wider European travel itineraries.

Lufthansa Group Partnership Drives ITA Airways Transformation

ITA Airways’ Star Alliance membership follows its deeper integration with Lufthansa Group, which acquired a stake in the Italian carrier. The partnership aims to strengthen ITA Airways while expanding Lufthansa Group’s presence in the Italian aviation market. The cooperation has already introduced several passenger-focused improvements, including expanded connections, shared services and stronger loyalty integration. The partnership is expected to support ITA Airways in competing more effectively in the global aviation market. By combining Italy’s strong tourism appeal with Lufthansa Group’s international network, the airline can offer travellers more choices.

Italy remains one of Europe’s most attractive tourism destinations, and stronger aviation links can support growth across:

• Cultural tourism.
• Luxury travel.
• Business tourism.
• Regional tourism.
• Long-haul visitor markets.

Conclusion

The alliance with Star Alliance means more than just a change of airlines for vacationers. It opens up a lot of new opportunities in organizing overseas trips with good connection, advanced loyalty programs and set transfers. Those who come to Italy can count on better connections when their trip involves airports in Rome and Milan. This transition will also serve people travelling internationally who would like to travel to Italy alongside other European countries. After joining the new alliance, ITA Airways takes the centre stage of global travelling. With better cooperation with other airlines, improved services for passengers and wider connectivity Italy’s national airline is starting a new journey with the focus on international expansion development.