ITA Airways

Alitalia was the flag carrier of Italy, operating for over seven decades as one of Europe's major airlines. Founded in 1946, the airline connected Italy to destinations across Europe, the Americas, Africa, Asia, and beyond, serving millions of passengers annually from its primary hubs in Rome and Milan. Despite its storied history and cultural significance, Alitalia suffered persistent financial difficulties throughout the 2000s and 2010s, requiring multiple government bailouts and restructuring attempts. Failed merger talks with Air France-KLM, Etihad Airways's partial ownership stake, and repeated labor disputes all contributed to its prolonged decline. Alitalia formally ceased operations on October 14, 2021, after the Italian government decided not to provide further financial support. It was succeeded by ITA Airways (Italia Trasporto Aereo), a new state-owned carrier that launched the same day, taking over select routes, slots, and assets from the defunct airline.