Star Alliance Welcomes Italy’s Flag Carrier ITA Airways as Newest Member

Star Alliance has announced that ITA Airways was officially inducted as the newest member of Star Alliance during a ceremony at the Piazza di Spagna Lounge at Rome Fiumicino Airport on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.

ITA Airways is Added as the Star Alliance's Newest Member on Tuesday, March 31, 2026 - Courtesy Star Alliance

On Tuesday (March 31, 2026), Star Alliance announced the official entry of ITA Airways, Italy’s flag carrier, as their newest member, marking the completion of the carrier’s integration int+o the world’s largest airline alliance.  ITA’s entry into the alliance was marked during a ceremony held at the Piazza di Spagna Lounge in Terminal 3 at Rome Fiumicino Airport.  The ceremony was presided over by ITA Airways Chief Executive Officer and General Manager Joerg Eberhart, Star Alliance Chief Executive Officer Theo Panagiotoulias, and Lufthansa Group Chief Commercial Officer Dieter Vranckx, in the presence of media and other guests.

Speaking at Tuesday’s ceremony at Rome Fiumicino, Star Alliance’s CEO, Theo Panagiotoulias, said,

“On behalf of our members, I am delighted to welcome ITA Airways as the 26th member of Star Alliance.  This is the result of a focused and collaborative integration effort.  With ITA Airways on board, we not only expand our network to and from Italy, but also elevate the connected experience of our customers when travelling across multiple airlines, through access to the world’s largest network of airport lounges, more comprehensive loyalty benefits, and other benefits like baggage tracking - all designed to enhance the journey at every step.”

Also commenting at the ceremony, ITA Airways’ CEO and General Manager, Joerg Eberhart, said,

“Joining Star Alliance marks a historic milestone for ITA Airways and a defining step in our growth.  By becoming part of the world’s largest and most established global airline network, we significantly expand our international reach while offering our passengers a more seamless, consistent and high-quality travel experience, with access to over 1,150 destinations worldwide, smoother connections, integrated services and a stronger premium proposition.  At the same time, we enter Star Alliance bringing with us our distinctive Italian identity, enriching the Alliance and reinforcing ITA Airways’ role in connecting Italy with the world, combining global standards of excellence with the warmth and elegance that define the Italian way of flying.”

Dieter Vranckx, Chief Commercial Officer of Lufthansa Group, of which ITA Airways is a member, added,

“The Star Alliance membership is only possible thanks to the strong commitment and close collaboration of dedicated teams at ITA Airways, Lufthansa Group and Star Alliance.  We are pleased to introduce ITA Airways as fully fledged hub airline into the Lufthansa Group and into the Alliance, expanding options for travellers across Europe and the world.  Together, ITA Airways and the Lufthansa Group, are unlocking a joint value proposition that will benefit our customers, our partners, and the Star Alliance ecosystem.”

Star Alliance Welcomes ITA Airways as Newest Member on Tuesday, March 31, 2026 in a Ceremony at Rome Fiumicino International Airport - Courtesy Star Alliance

From April 1st, 2026, ITA Airways will be fully connected into the Alliance’s global network, linking their Rome Fiumicino hub and Milan Linate airport, served by 17 Star Alliance members collectively, with over 1,150 destinations worldwide on offer.  Guests traveling across the Star Alliance network can now benefit from through check-in, reciprocal frequent flyer recognition and access to Star Alliance lounges, creating a more seamless customer experience, in and out of Italy.  ITA Airways’ entrance into the Alliance has been mentored by the Lufthansa Group, and expert teams across the group airlines have facilitated an intense integration program over the last several months.  With the addition of ITA Airways, the Star Alliance now includes 26 member airlines, offering over 17,500 daily flights across a global network spanning over 190 countries.

Source: Star Alliance