Photo: Omar Nouri Volotea, the quick-growing low-cost carrier in Spain, and ITA Airways, Italy's national carrier, which launched at the end of 2021 to succeed Alitalia, have announced the expansion of their cooperation with a new bilateral codeshare agreement, which will take effect on April 15, 2026. The move marks another step in strengthening the strategic relationship between the two companies, with an emphasis on improving connectivity between Italy and the rest of Europe.
Under the agreement, passengers will be offered up to 104 different combinations of origin and destination points, integrating Volotea's route network with ITA Airways' operations at Rome Fiumicino Airport. The connection between the networks is expected to allow for more convenient and efficient travel between many destinations in Europe.
VOLOTEA aircraft. Photo: ShutterstockUpon completion of technical preparations, the collaboration is expected to expand flight options via Rome to destinations in Italy and Europe, including Milan, Catania, Palermo, Brindisi, Genoa, Frankfurt, Paris, London, Zurich, Amsterdam and Tirana.
In addition, connections via Madrid and Barcelona to many destinations in Spain, including Murcia, Asturias and Vitoria, will also be operated by Volotea.
The Spanish airline has been operating in Italy since 2012 and currently serves 23 airports in the country, including seven operational bases. The company connects Italy with 56 European cities in eight countries, and employs thousands of people directly and indirectly.