The European Commission has approved Lufthansa’s 41pc stake in ITA Airways, following the implementation of remedies including the allocation of remedy slots at Milan Linate Airport.
EasyJet will receive the most remedy slots at Milan Linate to reduce ITA Airways and Lufthansa’s short-haul dominance, while IAG and Air France KLM will benefit from improved long-haul connections.
EasyJet will take over short-haul routes between Rome/Milan and selected European airports, opening bases at Milan Linate and Rome Fiumicino in Summer 2025.
IAG and Air France-KLM will manage long-haul routes between Italy and North America through interline agreements and slot swaps, without launching direct transatlantic flights from Italy.
The takeover will also involve an expanded role for Air Dolomiti and a strategic agreement with SkyAlps, contingent on obtaining IOSA certification.
ITA Airways’ A350-900 aircraft will operate daily flights between Tokyo Haneda and Rome, enhancing its international route network.
The tie-up is expected to bring significant improvements for customers and career opportunities for employees, with new services likely to be announced in the coming weeks and months.
