Luxair files a lawsuit: Is Lufthansa threatened with the end of Ita Airways?

Luxair files a lawsuit: Is Lufthansa threatened with the end of Ita Airways?

Luxair filed a lawsuit against Lufthansa Group's stake in Ita Airways before the General Court of the European Union on May 20, 2025. The objection surprises many, as Luxair normally has a close partnership with Lufthansa as part of the “Miles & More” frequent flyer program. The exact details of Luxair's application are not currently publicly known, raising questions about the potential impact on Ita Airways' integration.

Lufthansa is planning a comprehensive restructuring of its business strategy under the title “Matrix Next Level”. Meanwhile, Ita Airways is focusing heavily on expansion, particularly at its hub at Rome Fiumicino Airport. The Lufthansa Group's approved initial stake of 41 percent in Ita Airways has already received the approval of the European Union.

Ethical questions and criticism

Luxair's lawsuit also comes at a time when ongoing criticism from Lufthansa's major shareholder Klaus-Michael Kühne is coming into focus. Ethical questions surrounding a gift from Qatar to former US President Donald Trump are also being discussed, which could further strain Lufthansa's public image. Various sides are questioning how these issues could impact the strategy of the Lufthansa Group.

The lawsuit could jeopardize or at least delay Ita Airways' ongoing plans and integration process into the Lufthansa Group. Industry experts fear that the integration of Ita into the Lufthansa Group, which has already been initiated at the beginning of the year, could become significantly more complicated. Ita Airways plays a strategically important role for the Lufthansa Group, particularly in transatlantic traffic, and therefore a delayed takeover could have far-reaching consequences.

Impact on air traffic

The decision of the European Union Court and the possible consequences for the airlines involved are still pending. While Lufthansa and Ita Airways have already made concessions to address competition concerns, it remains to be seen how Luxair's appeal will impact the future competitive landscape in European and transatlantic air travel. The ongoing uncertainty about summer bookings in air traffic, as also mentioned at Tui, could also play a role.