Lufthansa Cargo to commercialize ITA Airways’ Delhi–Rome capacity

Lufthansa Cargo is deepening its strategic alliance with ITA Airways, announcing a major expansion set to commence on 1 September 2025. Under the new arrangement, Lufthansa Cargo will take charge of marketing and managing ITA’s bellyhold cargo capacities on flights from Delhi (DEL), Tokyo-Haneda (HND), and Bangkok (BKK) to Rome-Fiumicino (FCO). These shipments will now move under the Lufthansa Cargo air waybill (AWB) prefix.

This milestone follows a successful collaboration kick-started in May 2025, when Lufthansa Cargo began handling ITA Airways’ South American routes. The first flights under that agreement launched in June, laying the groundwork for this Asia-focused expansion.

The integration of Delhi into Lufthansa Cargo’s expanding Asia–Europe operations represent a major step forward in regional connectivity. As one of South Asia’s most pivotal air cargo hubs, Delhi is poised to become a prime gateway for freight shipments, particularly high-demand sectors such as electronics, pharmaceuticals, automotive components, and textiles.

Rome-Fiumicino’s strategic position within Lufthansa Cargo’s network further amplifies the benefits, enabling seamless access to a broad spectrum of European and international destinations. This expansion is expected to significantly enhance transit reliability, especially for time-sensitive cargo, while providing greater value to freight forwarders and global supply chain stakeholders.

Subject to regulatory approval, Lufthansa Cargo is set to broaden its collaboration with ITA Airways across all continental and intercontinental routes. Once fully operational, this enhanced partnership will boost Lufthansa Cargo’s global bellyhold capacity by nearly 20%, reinforcing its competitive edge in the international airfreight sector.

This development follows the Lufthansa Group’s official acquisition of a 41% stake in ITA Airways, finalized in July 2025. The move solidifies the strategic and operational integration between the two carriers, paving the way for expanded global reach and service optimization.