ROME — Travelers across Italy are facing significant disruptions this week as ITA Airways prepares for a series of nationwide strikes while simultaneously moving toward a major ownership shift under the Lufthansa Group. As of Monday, February 23, 2026, the Italian flagship carrier has already begun canceling flights ahead of a 24-hour aviation strike scheduled for February 26.
Nationwide Strikes to Paralyze Italian Travel
A wave of industrial action is set to hit key Italian hubs from February 26 through February 28, 2026. Unions representing pilots, cabin crew, and airport staff have confirmed rolling 24-hour strikes that will impact not only air travel but also rail and local transport services. ITA Airways has proactively canceled dozens of flights to mitigate chaos at major bases like Rome Fiumicino and Milan Linate. Passengers traveling during this window are urged to check their flight status immediately, as disruptions are expected to spill over into the days surrounding the official strike dates.
Lufthansa Group Moves Toward Majority Stake
In a move that signals a massive consolidation of the European aviation market, the Lufthansa Group is finalizing preparations to acquire a majority stake in ITA Airways. This strategic expansion follows recent regulatory approvals and aligns with Lufthansa’s broader goal of dominating the Italian market. The partnership is already yielding results; just five days ago, Lufthansa and Air India signed a joint business agreement, a move that will likely integrate ITA Airways into a global network connecting Europe and India more efficiently.
Fleet Modernization and Summer 2026 Outlook
Despite the labor unrest, ITA Airways continues to modernize its operations. The airline currently operates a fleet of 106 aircraft, with an average age of just 6.4 years. Key highlights of the current fleet include:
- Sustainability Focus: Over 65% of the fleet consists of next-generation aircraft, including the Airbus A220, A320neo, and A321neo.
- Capacity: The carrier maintains a mix of 22 wide-body and 77+ narrow-body planes to service its growing international and domestic routes.
- Summer Expansion: At the recent International Tourism Fair (BIT) in Milan, ITA Airways announced its Summer 2026 schedule, which includes increased frequencies to North America and new Mediterranean destinations.
Essential Information for Passengers
For those currently booked with ITA Airways, a flash sale is active for travel occurring between February 23 and June 30, 2026, offering up to 20% off flights from the United States. However, travelers are cautioned to monitor the ongoing labor disputes. Under Italian law, certain “guaranteed time slots” (typically 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM) usually remain operational during strikes, but international long-haul flights may still face delays.
As the airline transitions from a state-backed entity to a core member of the Lufthansa Group, industry analysts expect a significant overhaul of the carrier’s loyalty programs and digital infrastructure by the end of 2026.