Lufthansa Takes Majority Control of ITA Airways: What It Means for Travellers

As Lufthansa moves to take majority control of ITA Airways, Travellers can expect bigger networks, better connections, and a whole new way of flying to Italy.

Europe's aviation landscape is shifting, and for British travellers, the changes are very much worth paying attention to. Lufthansa Group, the force behind some of the continent's most well-known airlines, has made a major move to take majority control of ITA Airways, Italy's national carrier. It is a development that is already beginning to influence how people plan and book their travel across Europe, and the full impact is still unfolding.

This is not a story that has come out of nowhere. Lufthansa began building its relationship with ITA Airways in early 2025, initially taking a minority stake in the Italian airline as part of a longer-term agreement with the Italian government. From the outset, the intention was always to deepen that relationship over time. That moment has now arrived. Lufthansa has announced it will significantly increase its shareholding in ITA Airways, shifting from a minority partner to holding the overwhelming majority of the airline. Italy's government will retain a small stake for now, though Lufthansa holds the option to acquire that too in the coming years.

Much of the practical integration between ITA Airways and the Lufthansa Group is already well underway. Passengers can now book and manage ITA Airways flights through unified systems shared across the group, making the experience significantly smoother. Earlier this year, ITA Airways also joined Star Alliance, the world's largest airline network, bringing with it access to an extensive range of partner airlines, lounges, and traveller benefits. The airline has also been brought into Lufthansa's Miles & More loyalty programme, meaning frequent flyers can earn and spend points across a far broader network than before.

It is a question many travellers will understandably be asking. When a major airline group takes control of a national carrier, concerns about reduced competition and rising fares are perfectly reasonable. Regulators took this seriously, and as part of securing approval for the deal, commitments were made to protect competition on key routes. Airport slots at major Italian airports have been made available to rival carriers, which should help maintain a level of competitive pricing, particularly on short-haul routes between the UK and Italy.

Taken together, this is a significant moment for European aviation. For British travellers, the Lufthansa and ITA Airways tie-up brings the prospect of a more connected, more rewarding travel experience when flying to and through Italy. Better booking systems, stronger loyalty benefits, and an expanded global network are all part of the picture.

At Crystal Travel, we are here to help you make sense of these changes and find the very best options for your next European adventure. Get in touch with our team today.