Lufthansa has completed its acquisition of a majority stake in ITA Airways, consolidating control of Italy's flagship carrier faster than initially expected. The German airline group, which began with a minority investment, now holds operational command of the Rome-based airline that succeeded the defunct Alitalia.
This move reshapes European aviation's competitive landscape. Lufthansa gains direct access to ITA's network spanning Italy, the Mediterranean, and beyond, while integrating the carrier into its larger Lufthansa Group ecosystem alongside Swiss International Air Lines, Austrian Airlines, and Brussels Airlines.
The takeover signals Lufthansa's aggressive strategy for European dominance. The airline group controls the largest hub system on the continent and now commands premium positions across Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, and Italy. That concentration grants Lufthansa leverage over pricing, route scheduling, and partnerships with American carriers like United Airlines.
For travelers, the consolidation means fewer independent choices on European routes. Passengers flying between North America and Italy will increasingly route through Lufthansa Group carriers rather than competing with a scrappy, independent operator. Airfares on competitive routes may stabilize or rise as competition narrows.
ITA Airways operated a fleet of Airbus A320 narrowbodies and A350 widebodies, serving roughly 60 destinations before the Lufthansa takeover. The airline struggled with profitability under previous ownership but carried prestige as Italy's national carrier.
Lufthansa's next target appears to be TAP Air Portugal, the Portuguese flag carrier. The German group has signaled interest in acquiring a stake there as well, potentially extending its stranglehold over southern European aviation. If successful, Lufthansa would control direct gateways to Italy, Portugal, Spain, and beyond.
Regulators permitted the ITA takeover after Lufthansa offered concessions including slot releases