ITA Airways will continue to operate under its own brand, enhancing its Italian identity and upholding its role as the reference carrier for the country 

Rome, 12 May 2026 – ITA Airways welcomes Deutsche Lufthansa AG’s decision to acquire an additional 49% stake in the Company, for a value of €325 million, thereby increasing its shareholding to 90% of ITA Airways.

The Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance will retain the remaining 10% of the share capital.

Completion of the transaction is expected in the first quarter of 2027, subject to approval by the relevant authorities, including the European Commission and the U.S. Department of Justice.

This further step represents a significant milestone in ITA Airways’ development path and confirms the value of the industrial project built over recent years. The Company is now preparing to enter a new phase of growth within the Lufthansa Group, improving its exposure in the European and international air transport market.

ITA Airways will continue to operate under its own brand, which will be maintained and enhanced within the Group’s structure. Today, the ITA Airways brand represents a young, distinctive and recognizable identity, strongly connected to Italy and to the values of quality, innovation, reliability and customer focus that characterize the Company.

The increasingly close integration into the Lufthansa Group will enable ITA Airways to develop further industrial and commercial synergies with the Group’s airlines, while preserving its Italian identity. For the Company, this represents an opportunity to consolidate its role as Italy’s reference carrier, contributing to the growth of the country’s connectivity and to the promotion of Made in Italy around the world.

Italy represents a strategic market in the European and international landscape: it is the third-largest economy in the European Union and the Lufthansa Group’s largest catchment area outside the United States and its home markets. In this context, ITA Airways confirms its central role in connecting the country with the rest of the world, supporting tourism, businesses, trade flows and international mobility.

ITA Airways’ integration path as the Lufthansa Group’s fifth network airline will also continue, building on the successful progress already made and on major customer milestones already achieved. The initiatives implemented so far have enabled the travel experience to be progressively improved, strengthening connection opportunities, service integration and the quality of the offering.

Looking ahead, ITA Airways will continue to work with the aim of offering its customers an increasingly integrated, efficient and competitive experience, leveraging the opportunities arising from belonging to a major international group while keeping its Italian vocation, service quality and the value of its people at the core.

The transaction confirms the strength of the path undertaken by ITA Airways and opens a new phase of development for the Company, based on sustainable growth, network expansion, customer centricity and the full enhancement of its role within the Italian system.

“This new phase represents a step of major industrial and strategic significance for ITA Airways. Over the past few years, we have built a solid, recognizable Company focused on quality, thanks to the contribution of our people and the trust of our customers, and Deutsche Lufthansa’s decision is a clear demonstration of the good work carried out so far.” said Joerg Eberhart, Chief Executive Officer and General Manager of ITA Airways. “We look to the future with ambition and responsibility: full integration into the Lufthansa Group will allow us to compete more strongly in international markets, while continuing to bring to the world the value of Italy, its connectivity and its capacity for innovation.”

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The Premium Application Centres are designed for customers who value convenience, privacy and time efficiency, including business travellers, families, senior citizens and professionals with demanding schedules. Located across key cities, these centres provide a premium environment while fully adhering to the processes and guidelines set by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

To book an appointment for these Premium Application Centres, customers need to select their centre of choice while applying for their UK visa online.

Why choose a Premium Application Centre?

• Dedicated and personalised assistance
• Shorter waiting times in a quieter, exclusive setting
• Comfortable seating and enhanced amenities
• Optional added-value services for additional convenience

What’s included?

• Biometric enrollment
• Document upload
• Food & beverage

*Please note that inclusions may vary basis the centre location

Yummi Talwar, Chief Operating Officer – South Asia, VFS Global, said, “Indian travellers today increasingly seek convenience, comfort and flexibility. Our UK Premium Application Centres across India are designed specifically to meet these expectations, offering customers a more streamlined and personalised experience while maintaining the highest standards of security and compliance.”

Customers who submit their documents and enroll their biometrics at these Premium Application Centres can benefit from a range of complementary added-value services offered by VFS Global which provide enhanced support such as UKVI account creation assistance.

Please note that our UK visa Premium Application Centres are optional and come at an extra cost. Opting for our Premium Application Centre does not have any bearing on the outcome of a visa application, which is the sole prerogative of the UK Visas and Immigration. Customers who do not wish to opt for a Premium Application Centre can still book an appointment at our standard UK Visa Application Centres across India without any extra charge, or by paying the UKVI mandatory service fee where applicable.

VFS Global has been the trusted partner to UK Visas and Immigration since 2003 and provides UK visa services in 142 countries worldwide. 

UK Premium Application Centres in India:

1. Amritsar, Punjab
2. Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
3. Bhubaneswar, Odisha
4. Calicut, Kerala
5. Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
6. Guwahati, Assam
7. Indore, Madhya Pradesh
8. Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
9. Ludhina, Punjab
10. Mangalore, Karnataka
11. Noida, Uttar Pradesh
12. Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh

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With immediate effect, Nitu Samra has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer on  an interim basis, until the Board of Directors can conclude a formal selection process. 

Nitu has been serving as Chief Financial Officer of Noida International Airport since  October 2021 and has been closely involved in the airport’s development journey,  overseeing financial stewardship, governance, and strategic planning during a key  phase of the project.  

Christoph Schnellmann, who has led Noida International Airport as Chief Executive  Officer since August 2020, will join the airport’s Board of Directors as Executive Vice  Chairman. In this role, he will continue to support the project and its transition to  operations.  

Daniel Bircher, Chairman, Yamuna International Airport Private Limited, said: “Aer  the inauguration of Noida International Airport by the Hon’ble Prime Minister in March  2026, the goal was to enable the start of operations as early as possible. This  management change brings the airport into compliance with Bureau of Civil Aviation  Security requirements while maintaining continuity in the airport’s leadership team. The  newly structured team will support a smooth transition into operations, guided by clear  and transparent governance and a strong corporate culture.” 

Noida International Airport remains focused on delivering a modern aviation gateway  that will serve as a catalyst for regional economic growth

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Air India today announced a new interline partnership with WestJet, Canada’s leading leisure carrier, to boost connectivity between India and North America beyond Toronto and Vancouver.

The partnership enables single-ticket itineraries combining Air India and WestJet flights, offering smoother journeys, coordinated baggage handling, and simplified journeys for travellers.

Through this partnership, Air India guests travelling to Toronto or Vancouver can take onward connections on WestJet to 17 Canadian cities and 14 U.S. cities, namely:

• Canadian cities: Calgary, Edmonton, Montreal, Winnipeg, Halifax, Ottawa, Regina, Saskatoon, Kelowna, St. John’s, Prince George, Victoria, Fort St. John, Terrace, Cranbrook, Comox, Nanaimo
• U.S. cities: San Francisco, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Detroit, Orlando, Phoenix, Tampa, Nashville, Las Vegas, San Diego, Fort Lauderdale, Palm Springs, Santa Ana, Fort Myers.
• Halifax, Calgary and St. John’s are also accessible via Air India’s select European gateways at Amsterdam (Schiphol), Paris (Charles de Gaulle), London (Heathrow), and London (Gatwick).

Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial Officer, Air India, said: “Canada continues to be a key market for Air India, driven by strong people‑to‑people ties and increasing trade between our nations. By partnering with WestJet, we are making travel across North America more accessible and effortless for our guests, with coordinated baggage handling, single‑ticket convenience, and a far wider choice of destinations.”

John Weatherill, Executive Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer, the WestJet Group, said: “By bringing this interline agreement to life, we’re significantly expanding access between India and Canada, making it easier for our shared guests to seamlessly visit high-demand destinations across North America. This partnership aligns Air India’s long-haul strength with WestJet’s North American reach, creating meaningful new travel options and improving the end-to-end journey for travellers.”

Air India currently operates 17x weekly non-stop flights to Canada, including 10x weekly services to Toronto and 7x weekly services to Vancouver.

To its European gateways that provide connections on WestJet flights to Canada, Air India operates a total of 75x weekly services, including 49x weekly to London (Heathrow), 5x weekly to London (Gatwick), 14x weekly to Paris (Charles de Gaulle) and 7x weekly to Amsterdam (Schiphol).

Interline itineraries are available for booking on Air India’s website, mobile app and through travel agents worldwide.

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Headquartered at Paro International Airport, Drukair connects Bhutan with key cities across Asia, including Bangkok, Delhi, Kathmandu, Singapore, Dhaka, Kolkata, Guwahati, Bagdogra, Bodh Gaya and Dubai. Through this collaboration, Drukair’s fares, schedules, and inventory will be accessible on the Amadeus Travel Platform, allowing travel sellers in India to book and sell Drukair network.

“Partnering with Amadeus opens new horizons for Drukair and Bhutan. This collaboration allows us to connect with more travelers around the world, offering seamless access to our flights. We look forward to leveraging this partnership to drive growth and strengthen our presence on the global travel map,” says Mr. Tandi Wangchuk, Chief Executive Officer of Drukair.

“We are delighted to welcome Drukair – Royal Bhutan Airlines to Amadeus Travel Platform. This partnership reflects our continued commitment to enhancing connectivity and empowering the travel ecosystem with greater choice and efficiency. By bringing Drukair’s inventory onto Amadeus Travel Platform, we are enabling travel sellers in India to seamlessly access and book flights to Bhutan, opening new opportunities for growth while delivering richer travel experiences to customers. We look forward to supporting Drukair in expanding its reach and strengthening its presence in the market.” says Sandeep Dwivedi, Managing Director, Travel Sellers, India & the Sub-Continent, Amadeus.

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Star Air’s commitment to reliability is reflected in its punctuality, with over 85% of flights from Belagavi and Kolhapur departing on schedule. The airline is also increasing its weekly schedule from 455 to 550 flights this summer, responding to rising demand across its network. With nearly 3 million passengers carried since inception, Star Air continues to deliver on its mission of “Connecting Real India.”

The airline has launched a daily direct service between Belagavi and Mumbai, further integrating North Karnataka and Central India with the nation’s financial capital. At the same time, Kolhapur’s connectivity is being enhanced with new and improved flights to Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Bengaluru, along with vital links to Kishangarh and Indore.

With introductory fares from just ₹4,499* for Kolhapur-Mumbai and Kolhapur-Bengaluru routes, and ₹5,049* for Belagavi-Mumbai, Star Air is making both business and leisure travel more accessible than ever. The airline is committed to expanding its reach and making air travel affordable for underserved regions and emerging cities, delivering value, reliability, and comfort to every flyer.

Commenting on this expansion, Shilpa Bhatia, Chief Commercial & Marketing Officer at Star Air, said, “Focusing on Kolhapur and Belagavi is central to our vision of strengthening our presence in India’s aviation sector. With every new route and every additional aircraft, we’re building bridges between businesses, families, and dreams. Our growing network is about empowering communities, unlocking

economic potential, and showing that regional India is ready to soar. We remain deeply committed to reliability, comfort, and making air travel accessible to all.”

For Kolhapur’s industrialists, manufacturers, and exporters, these connections mean improved access to Mumbai’s stock exchanges, ports, and corporate headquarters, accelerating supply chains and fostering face-to-face negotiations. Direct flights to Bengaluru now empower Kolhapur’s SMEs and entrepreneurs to connect with India’s dynamic IT and start-up ecosystem, while Belagavi’s business community enjoys easier access to national markets, driving trade and collaboration.

But the impact extends far beyond business. Enhanced air links are making travel easier for tourists, students, and families; strengthening social and cultural ties; and opening new doors for education, tourism, and professional opportunities. Kolhapur’s rich heritage and Belagavi’s unique character are set to attract more visitors than ever.

Passengers can expect a seamless travel experience, with hot meals and beverages served onboard every flight. The airline’s Embraer E175 fleet offers a comfortable 1×2/2×2 seating layout, with both business and economy class options, setting new standards for regional aviation comfort and service. Bookings for the new flights are now open on www.starair.in and through leading travel platforms, and fares are subject to applicable terms and conditions. As Star Air continues to expand, Kolhapur and Belagavi’s direct links to India’s economic centres promise to boost regional growth, mobility, and prosperity for years to come.

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The series commenced with UL1144, Mumbai–Colombo, carrying Team USA, followed by UL1145, Colombo–Ahmedabad, for Team India and UL1128, Chennai–Colombo, for Team Namibia on 16 February. UL1188, Kolkata–Colombo, transported Team England on 17 February; UL1128, Chennai–Colombo, carried Team New Zealand on 18 February; and UL1143, Colombo–Mumbai, operated for Team Zimbabwe on 21 February. The final charter, UL1143, Colombo–Mumbai, on 1 March once again carried Team England, marking the successful completion of this special series and reaffirming SriLankan Airlines’ commitment to powering champions in the skies and beyond.

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With a proven track record of representing some of the world’s leading aviation and travel brands, this win further strengthens InterGlobe Air Transport’s position as the most trusted and established GSA in India. It reinforces its commitment to deliver operational excellence, innovation, and strategic growth for its partners and customers. 

Mr. JB Singh, Director, InterGlobe Air Transport, said, “We are incredibly honoured to receive this recognition. This award is a testament to the dedication of the entire InterGlobe Air Transport team, who are committed to delivering exceptional value to our partners and customers. For nearly four decades, we have combined deep market insight with operational excellence, and this accolade solidifies our role as a trusted partner, dedicated to creating long-term growth for the world’s leading airline and travel brands in India.”

InterGlobe Air Transport currently represents a distinguished portfolio of global airlines and travel partners, and with nearly four decades of domain expertise, the company delivers an expansive suite of end-to-end solutions across passenger and cargo services, hotel bookings and car rentals. Across these crucial partnerships, it plays a critical role in driving commercial growth, market penetration, and brand visibility in India. The company provides specialized support in sales and distribution, revenue management, and regulatory coordination, as well as trade marketing, digital engagement, and commercial planning and optimization.

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The additional frequency will provide passengers with greater flexibility for both business and leisure travel. Fares start from USD 256 round-trip (excluding baggage).

The schedule is designed to offer convenient connections via Tashkent, enabling passengers from Delhi to continue their journeys across the airline’s international network to Tbilisi, Batumi, Guangzhou, Istanbul, Tel Aviv, and other destinations.

The expansion of services to India aligns with the strategy of Centrum Holding to strengthen Tashkent’s role as an international aviation hub connecting Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. Uzbekistan’s strategic location, historically at the heart of the Great Silk Road, creates natural advantages for developing modern transit routes and enhancing business and tourism connectivity.

The airline’s exclusive General Sales Agent in India is Aeroprime Group, providing commercial representation and sales support in the market.

Abhishek Goyal, Executive Director & CEO, Aeroprime Group, commented: “The increase in frequency on the Tashkent–Delhi route reflects Centrum Air’s growing commitment to the Indian market. As their Exclusive General Sales Agent in India, our focus remains on strengthening brand visibility, deepening trade engagement, and driving sustainable passenger growth. With the enhanced schedule, we see strong potential to stimulate both point-to-point and transit traffic via Tashkent, further positioning Uzbekistan as a strategic gateway connecting India with Central Asia, the CIS region, and key international destinations.”

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Air India today announced the launch of two new international routes as part of its continued expansion across Asia.

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