ROME — ITA Airways is set to join the Star Alliance on April 1, 2026, marking a pivotal shift in its global partnership strategy and signaling deeper integration with the Lufthansa Group.
Although the move has not yet been officially confirmed by either ITA or Star Alliance, mounting evidence — including updates from Air China — suggests the transition is imminent. The development would formally end ITA’s association with SkyTeam and position the airline within one of the world’s largest aviation networks.
A Strategic Alliance Shift
ITA Airways’ anticipated entry into Star Alliance represents a major realignment in its international positioning. By joining the alliance, the airline would strengthen connectivity through key hubs such as Rome Fiumicino Airport and Milan Linate Airport, integrating more closely with a global network of partner carriers.
The shift reflects ITA’s broader transformation strategy as it distances itself from its Alitalia legacy and seeks long-term stability through strategic partnerships. Industry analysts view the move as a natural progression following Lufthansa Group’s growing influence over the airline.
Timeline Gains Industry Credibility
Reports pointing to an April 1, 2026 entry date have gained credibility after communication surfaced from Air China’s Phoenix Miles loyalty program. The update indicated that frequent flyers may soon be able to earn and redeem miles on ITA-operated flights within the Star Alliance ecosystem.
While neither ITA Airways nor Star Alliance has formally confirmed the date, such updates are often shared internally or through loyalty channels ahead of official announcements. This has led industry observers to view the timeline as highly plausible.
If finalized, the move would enhance Star Alliance’s footprint in Southern Europe while offering passengers expanded benefits, including seamless mileage accrual, priority services, and access to a broader lounge network.
Lufthansa Group’s Expanding Role
The alliance transition follows Lufthansa Group’s acquisition of a 41% stake in ITA Airways, completed in January 2025. Since then, ITA has been steadily aligning its operations, commercial strategy, and customer experience with the German aviation group.
One of the most significant changes is the planned discontinuation of ITA’s Volare frequent flyer program, scheduled to end on March 30, 2026. Customers are expected to transition into Lufthansa’s Miles & More program, ensuring continuity while consolidating loyalty offerings under a single platform.
At the same time, ITA has begun phasing out legacy partnerships tied to SkyTeam. In parallel, collaboration with Star Alliance carriers has increased. Airlines such as United Airlines and Air Canada have already expanded cooperation with ITA, including reciprocal mileage redemption and shared customer benefits.
Network Expansion and Passenger Benefits
Joining Star Alliance would significantly enhance ITA Airways’ global reach. The airline would gain access to a network of more than two dozen member carriers, enabling smoother connections across Europe, North America, and Asia.
Passengers traveling through Rome and Milan are expected to benefit from improved scheduling, coordinated services, and integrated booking systems. These enhancements could lead to more efficient travel experiences and increased route flexibility.
Additionally, the move would allow ITA to leverage shared resources within the alliance, potentially improving operational efficiency and boosting competitiveness in key international markets.
Strengthening Competitive Position
From a competitive standpoint, aligning with Star Alliance positions ITA Airways more firmly against other major European carriers already embedded within global alliances. The partnership with Lufthansa Group provides ITA with access to a broader customer base, established infrastructure, and a stronger global brand presence.
This integration is particularly important as airlines across Europe continue to consolidate and compete for long-haul traffic and premium passengers.
A New Chapter for ITA Airways
The expected transition to Star Alliance underscores ITA Airways’ ongoing evolution as it seeks to establish itself as a modern, competitive airline. Since replacing Alitalia, the carrier has focused on restructuring operations, improving financial performance, and strengthening international partnerships.
While official confirmation is still pending, the sequence of recent developments strongly indicates that ITA Airways is on track to join Star Alliance at the start of April 2026.
For the global aviation industry, the move represents not just a shift in alliance membership, but a defining moment in ITA’s effort to secure its place in an increasingly interconnected and competitive market.
