After joining Star Alliance and the partial acquisition of Lufthansa Group, the Italian airline ITA Airways is exploring the possibility of launching direct flights to cities in the former Yugoslavia, including Podgorica and Tivat. According to the aviation portal ExYu Aviation News, the company plans to open at least three destinations in the region, with Montenegro seen as a priority location.
This decision is based on ITA’s developed network structure and its status as the main hub at Fiumicino Airport (Rome). Direct flights from Rome could significantly strengthen Montenegro’s air connections with Italy, the rest of Europe, and the USA, especially with the support of Lufthansa and the global alliance Star Alliance.
The restoration of ITA Airways connections with Montenegro
Before the pandemic, Alitalia connected Rome with Podgorica and Belgrade, and also operated seasonal flights to Split and Dubrovnik. However, after ITA’s launch, plans for regular flights to the region have not yet been implemented. In 2024, an attempt was made to launch a seasonal flight to Split, but the project ended after a month. The company is now actively considering the possibility of restoring connections with Montenegro, which could become a strategic step for the entire country in aviation and tourism.