Italian Airlines: Who Flies Today, From ITA Airways to Neos (2026)

Italian airlines have changed a lot in a few years. Alitalia and Air Italy no longer fly, while ITA Airways is now part of the Lufthansa Group’s network. This guide explains which Italian carriers operate today, how they differ and when a domestic flight beats the train.

Last updated: September 25, 2026

Italian airlines at a glance

ITA Airways: Italy’s national airline

ITA Airways took over from Alitalia in October 2021. Its main hub is Rome Fiumicino, and Milan Linate is its key airport in the north. It flies within Italy, across Europe and on long-haul routes, including North America.

The ownership is changing. Lufthansa holds 41% of ITA Airways. In May 2026, it agreed to raise its stake to 90%, according to the Lufthansa Group newsroom (checked September 2026). However, the deal still needs approval from the European Commission and the US Department of Justice. Lufthansa expects to close it in the first quarter of 2027.

Meanwhile, ITA Airways became the 26th member of Star Alliance on April 1, 2026 (announcement, checked September 2026). As a result, travelers can earn and redeem miles with United, Air Canada, Lufthansa and other partners on ITA flights.

Neos: the leisure airline

Neos focuses on holiday routes, including long-haul flights to beach destinations and some North American routes. Its official site says the airline started in 2001 and belongs to the Alpitour World travel group (checked September 2026). Milan Malpensa is its hub, and it also has bases in Verona, Bologna and Rome. So, schedules can be seasonal; check the current timetable before you plan around a route.

Aeroitalia and the smaller Italian airlines

Aeroitalia is the youngest of the Italian airlines on this list. It began flying in 2022, and its official site describes domestic and international flights (checked September 2026). In addition, it flies some subsidized Sardinia routes under the continuità territoriale scheme. This public scheme keeps fares to the mainland in check for residents.

Air Dolomiti, based in Verona, is also Italian, but it works as a regional airline within the Lufthansa Group. Most of its flights, therefore, link Italian cities to Munich and Frankfurt.

Italian airlines that no longer fly

Older guides still mention airlines that have gone. So, check that a carrier still operates before you search for tickets; an old name on a blog is not proof.

• Alitalia made its last flight in October 2021. ITA Airways then replaced it as the national carrier.
• Air Italy, the former Meridiana, went into liquidation in February 2020 and has not flown since.
• Meridiana, the Sardinian airline, is the same company: it became Air Italy in 2018, so it no longer flies either.

Flying within Italy or taking the train?

Italy is long and narrow, so the right choice depends on distance. Between Milan, Bologna, Florence, Rome and Naples, the high-speed train usually wins. It runs from city center to city center, with no airport security or transfer. By contrast, a flight makes sense for Sicily, Sardinia and the far south. Milan to Catania, Palermo, Cagliari or Bari are typical examples.

• Fly: north to Sicily, Sardinia or Puglia, and the islands in general.
• Take the train: anything on the Milan–Rome–Naples line, and Venice to Florence or Rome.
• Drive: the countryside, hill towns and coasts; our guide to driving in Italy explains the rules.

Also, foreign low-cost airlines such as Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz Air and Volotea run large domestic networks in Italy. Therefore, compare them with the Italian airlines on price and baggage rules. Also, check which airport each one uses; Milan, for example, has Linate and Malpensa, and airlines often sell Bergamo as Milan too.

Where a flight takes you: trips worth planning

A domestic flight is often the first step to the south and the islands. Once there, these experiences are popular with first-time visitors:

• A Mount Etna tour from Catania, close to Catania airport.
• A Palermo street food tour.
• An Alberobello and Matera day trip from Bari.
• A La Maddalena boat tour from northern Sardinia.

To plan the route, start with our southern Italy itinerary and our guide to things to do in Sicily. For a longer trip, see the 2 weeks in Italy itinerary. Our Italy travel tips cover airports, trains and money.

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Italian airlines: frequently asked questions

What is the national airline of Italy?

ITA Airways, which replaced Alitalia in October 2021. Its main hub is Rome Fiumicino.

Does Alitalia still exist?

No. Alitalia made its last flight in October 2021, and ITA Airways took over as the national carrier.

Is ITA Airways owned by Lufthansa?

Lufthansa holds 41% and agreed in May 2026 to raise its stake to 90%. The deal needs EU and US approval, with closing expected in early 2027.

Is Air Italy still flying?

No. Air Italy went into liquidation in February 2020 and has not operated flights since.

Is it better to fly or take the train in Italy?

Between major mainland cities such as Milan, Florence, Rome and Naples, the high-speed train is usually faster. For Sicily, Sardinia and the far south, flying often saves time.