ITA Airways Shifts Operations: London Heathrow to Gatwick and City Airports

By Ivan PetrenkoFeb 18, 2024 21:26 PMNews
Share:
ITA Airways aircraft on the tarmac with blue livery and Italian flag on the tail
ITA Airways aircraft on the tarmac with blue livery and Italian flag on the tail . Source: unsplash

In a strategic pivot, Italian national carrier ITA Airways has announced its departure from London Heathrow, citing the prohibitive operational costs at one of the world's most prestigious airports. The airline is set to enhance its presence at London Gatwick and London City airports, marking a significant shift in its operational strategy amidst fierce competition from low-cost carriers such as Ryanair and easyJet.

According to SimpleFlying, the move comes after ITA Airways made the decision to return the 54 weekly slots it held at London Heathrow to Etihad Airways, from whom it was leasing. This adjustment signifies the end of its Rome Fiumicino and Milan Linate services to Heathrow, a route that commanded eight flights daily. This decision was made public through a Slot Swap Request form submitted to Airport Coordination Ltd, the entity responsible for slot management. The transition aligns with the start of the aviation summer season on March 30, following ITA Airways' notification to the slot regulator last November.

London Heathrow's reputation for high operational costs was underscored by the 2016 transaction where Oman Air acquired a morning slot from Kenya Airways for a record $75 million. This financial pressure, coupled with the competitive landscape shaped by Ryanair and easyJet, prompted ITA Airways to seek more economically viable options.

ITA Airways' adaptation involves not only a shift in airports but also an increase in service offerings. At London City Airport, the carrier plans to expand its Milan Linate operations to up to five daily flights starting April 10, responding to robust demand with its Airbus A220-100 aircraft. This expansion will boost weekly frequencies to 31. Additionally, from March 31, ITA will introduce a twice-daily service from Rome Fiumicino, catering to the business traveler segment with 12 weekly flights, leveraging the airport's proximity to Canary Wharf, London's financial hub.

Looking ahead to June 1, 2024, ITA Airways will commence daily morning flights to London Gatwick, operated by an Airbus A319. This move aims to attract leisure travelers and explore new connecting traffic opportunities.

The backdrop to these operational shifts is the ongoing acquisition of ITA Airways by Lufthansa, which faces scrutiny from the European Commission's competition authority. Reports suggest that the merger conditions may include slot relinquishments at major airports and support for competitors to establish themselves in affected markets, indicating a challenging path ahead for the merger.

As ITA Airways adapts to the changing dynamics of the aviation industry, its strategic realignment from Heathrow to Gatwick and London City airports represents a recalibration aimed at maintaining competitiveness and sustainability in the face of high operational costs and stiff competition.

Top Articles
Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Feb 14, 2025 15:00 PM

Top Tips for Securing Your Luggage and Preventing Loss

Feb 7, 2025 14:00 PM

Your Guide to Hand Luggage and Baggage Rules

Feb 4, 2025 20:00 PM
More News
Seating area inside Dublin Airport lounge overlooking runway with international aircraft in view

Dublin Airport Broadens Global Reach for Summer 2025

Mar 29, 2025 13:43 PM
A passenger taps their card at a train station ticket barrier using contactless payment

Ticket Office Cuts Raise Travel Concerns

Mar 29, 2025 11:27 AM

Brussels Airlines Unveils Refined Inflight Dining

Mar 29, 2025 09:36 AM

Southern Italy Rail Upgrades to Disrupt Travel

Mar 29, 2025 07:41 AM
flydubai aircraft on runway with mountain backdrop

flydubai Restores Pisa Flights Ahead of Summer

Mar 29, 2025 05:29 AM
Man participating in a public protest or demonstration, facing another person in conversation

Easter Travel at Risk Amid Heathrow PRM Staff Strike

Mar 29, 2025 03:34 AM
Silhouettes of travellers waiting at an airport terminal during sunset

Edinburgh Airport Unveils Passenger-Focused Upgrades for Summer

Mar 28, 2025 23:42 PM
A quiet British railway station with footbridge and empty platforms on a cloudy day

Historic Rail Celebrations Unlock New Travel Routes Across the UK

Mar 28, 2025 20:38 PM
Tail fins of Iberia aircraft parked at Madrid-Barajas Airport on a clear day

Airline Alliance Expands Travel Options Between Spain and Argentina

Mar 28, 2025 18:24 PM

Benidorm Reinvents Itself as Eco-Friendly Holiday Destination

Mar 28, 2025 16:43 PM

Air France Adds Hotel-Style Bedding to Business Class for Long-Haul Flights

Mar 28, 2025 14:37 PM
Passengers at London King’s Cross station beside LNER and other trains under a large arched roof

LNER Opens Advance Ticket Sales for Summer 2025 Travel Across the UK

Mar 28, 2025 12:26 PM
Jet2holidays airplane flying low over a coastal road near a populated area with parked vehicles and scenic green hills

Jet2 Adds Norway Fjord Trips from Newcastle and Leeds Bradford

Mar 28, 2025 10:50 AM
Dark storm clouds forming in the sky before heavy rainfall

Polar Vortex Raises Storm Risk for UK Travelers

Mar 28, 2025 02:41 AM
easyJet aircraft parked at airport gate on a sunny day

easyJet Expands Inflight Services for Summer Travellers

Mar 28, 2025 00:39 AM

Delays Expected on Northern Italy Rail Routes

Mar 27, 2025 22:45 PM

Jet2 Opening New Travel Horizons With Expanded Winter 2025/26 Routes from Newcastle

Mar 27, 2025 20:28 PM
People walking along a historic street in central Torino at sunset

Torino Opens to Travelers as 2025 European Capital of Smart Tourism

Mar 27, 2025 18:33 PM
Ryanair plane landing at sunset at Manchester Airport

Manchester Expands African Flight Options

Mar 27, 2025 16:46 PM
Young woman using smartphone at a European train station

Interrail Booking Becomes Effortless with New Digital System

Mar 27, 2025 14:29 PM
Emirates A380 aircraft taxiing at Sydney Airport during sunset

Emirates Marks 25 Years with Enhanced Sydney Travel

Mar 27, 2025 12:31 PM
A First Class train operated by Transport for Wales approaching a station through a residential area

Michelin-Level Dining on Welsh Rails

Mar 27, 2025 10:44 AM

Travel Disruptions Expected as Helsinki Airport Protest Approaches

Mar 27, 2025 08:27 AM

Heavy Fog Disrupts Transport in Southern England

Mar 27, 2025 06:32 AM
Airplane with Star Alliance livery parked at gate at the airport

Star Alliance and ÖBB Partner to Boost Train-Flight Integration

Mar 26, 2025 23:37 PM
Dark railway tunnel with visible train tracks leading to a lit station exit

Weekend Rail Works to Disrupt Derbyshire Routes

Mar 26, 2025 21:41 PM