ITA Airways makes Heathrow return using Lufthansa slots

Italian carrier ITA Airways has returned to Heathrow after securing slots at the London hub from shareholder Lufthansa.

The Italian national carrier started a twice-daily frequency to Rome’s Fiumicino Airport on Sunday, marking a return to Heathrow after flights were suspended two years ago.

An airline statement said: “The resumption of flights from Europe’s busiest airport - the most connected airport in the world - was made possible thanks to the co-operation with Lufthansa, which made the necessary airport slots available to ITA Airways.

“Connections between the British capital and Milan Linate will continue to operate via London City Airport.”

ITA Airways chief executive Joerg Eberhart said: “Today we celebrate a major milestone; our company is back at Heathrow, the UK’s only hub airport and the most connected airport in the world.

“It is further proof of the importance of the synergies with the Lufthansa Group, which enabled us to secure the slots needed to operate. 

“Returning to Heathrow will bring many advantages. Thanks to the characteristics of the airport, we will be able to operate flights with larger aircraft and greater capacity, increasing both passengers and revenues.”

Italian Ambassador to the UK, Inigo Lambertini added: “I am pleased to see the strengthening of ITA Airways’ presence in the United Kingdom.

“The launch of the London Heathrow to Rome Fiumicino route responds to an increasing demand for travel between our countries and reinforces Italy’s position in a strategic market for business and tourism.

“It serves as an important driver for our solid economic and cultural ties, providing passengers with an authentic Italian flight experience”.