ITA Brings Rome Into ANA-Lufthansa Network as Asia Links Grow

ITA Airways will join the Europe-Japan joint venture operated by Lufthansa Group and All Nippon Airways from autumn 2026.

The agreement was signed in June 2026 during the IATA Annual General Meeting in Rio de Janeiro.

The partnership already includes ANA, Lufthansa, SWISS, and Austrian Airlines. ITA will add its Rome Fiumicino-Tokyo Haneda service, along with feeder flights from Italy and other nearby markets.

This is a deeper agreement than a normal codeshare. It allows the airlines to coordinate schedules, sales, fares, and connections on selected Europe-Japan routes.

Rome gains a bigger role in Japan travel

Rome Fiumicino is the main reason this deal matters. ITA uses the airport as its main hub, and the joint venture will now have a stronger gateway in Southern Europe.

ITA already flies daily between Rome and Tokyo Haneda. ANA also serves Italy with its Tokyo Haneda-Milan Malpensa route. Together, the airlines can offer better access between Japan, Italy, the Mediterranean, and parts of North Africa.

The deal should help travelers avoid unnecessary detours through central Europe. For example, passengers from Southern Italy or nearby regions may be able to connect through Rome instead of flying first to Frankfurt, Munich, Zurich, or Vienna.

Booking should become easier for travelers

From autumn 2026, customers of ANA, Lufthansa, SWISS, and Austrian Airlines are expected to be able to book ITA’s Rome-Tokyo flights through the wider joint venture network.

ITA passengers should also get easier access to ANA’s domestic flights beyond Tokyo. This is useful because many Japan trips do not end in the capital. Travelers often continue to cities such as Osaka, Fukuoka, Sapporo, or Okinawa.

The rollout will happen gradually, so booking options, corporate fares, lounge access, and loyalty benefits may appear in stages. More details are expected closer to launch.

The move fits Lufthansa’s ITA strategy

The agreement also shows how ITA is becoming more integrated into Lufthansa Group. Lufthansa completed its purchase of a 41 percent stake in ITA in January 2025, making the Italian airline part of its network carrier group.

ITA joined Star Alliance in April 2026, which made it easier to connect with Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, ANA, and other alliance members. The airline is also moving closer to Lufthansa Group’s loyalty and commercial systems.

Lufthansa now plans to increase its ITA stake from 41 percent to 90 percent by buying another 49 percent share for €325 million ($382 million). The deal still needs regulatory approval and is expected to close in early 2027.

Photo by Niels Baars on Unsplash