Ita Airways competes for subsidized Rome-Ljubljana flights in €10M bid

Ita Airways is bidding for state-subsidized flights between Rome and Ljubljana. The airline is one of four applicants vying for the new route. Over €10 million in funding has been set aside to support these connections. The Slovenian government's current funding programme aims to boost air links with key European cities. Airlines applying for subsidies must guarantee operations for at least three years. Priority destinations under the scheme include Vienna, Prague and Berlin alongside Rome.

Ita Airways' proposal aligns with Lufthansa's broader strategy for the carrier. As a partial owner, Lufthansa wants to expand Ita's European network and increase connecting traffic through Rome. This would feed more passengers onto long-haul flights, particularly to the U.S.

No other airlines have publicly confirmed bids for the subsidized Slovenia routes. The Infrastructure Ministry has not yet officially confirmed Ita Airways' application. A decision from the selection committee is expected shortly. The winning bidder will secure funding to launch and maintain the route for three years. The chosen airline will strengthen Slovenia's air connections with major European hubs. The ministry's announcement will clarify which carrier secures the contract.