Lufthansa Group has decided to increase its stake in Italian flag carrier ITA Airways from 41% to 90%.
Under the agreement, Lufthansa will acquire an additional 49% stake from the Italian government for €325 million.
The transaction, approved by Lufthansa’s Supervisory Board on May 11, 2026, is expected to close in the first quarter of 2027 following regulatory approvals in Europe and the United States.
The remaining 10% stake will temporarily remain under Italian state ownership. However, Lufthansa reportedly holds an option to purchase the remaining shares in 2028.
The deal is seen as one of the latest steps in the ongoing consolidation of the European aviation sector. Lufthansa aims to fully integrate ITA Airways into the group structure alongside carriers such as Swiss International Air Lines, Austrian Airlines, and Brussels Airlines.
