EasyJet has withdrawn from the proposed consortium that had been considering a bid for struggling carrier Alitalia. The airline had been in talks with Delta Air Lines and Italian state railway operator Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane about a possible joint takeover.
“Following discussions with Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane and Delta Air Lines about forming a consortium to explore options for the future operations of Alitalia, EasyJet has taken the decision to withdraw from the process,” the company said in a statement. EasyJet emphasized its ongoing commitment to Italy, calling the country a strategic market where it serves around 18.5 million passengers annually and employs roughly 1,400 pilots and cabin crew on local contracts. The carrier noted continued investment in its Italian bases, including Milan, Naples and Venice, and pointed out that it added additional aircraft to its Venice and Naples operations last summer.
Alitalia remains in operation with financial support from the Italian government while seeking a buyer. Delta continues to hold discussions with Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane about a potential acquisition, and Rome has set a deadline at the end of March for interested parties to submit rescue proposals.
The withdrawal marks a change in the makeup of parties exploring Alitalia’s future, but it does not end efforts to find a long-term solution for the airline. For EasyJet, the move allows the carrier to maintain focus on its existing Italian network and investments, while other bidders and stakeholders proceed with talks under the government’s timetable.
Industry observers will be watching closely to see whether Delta and Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane can advance a viable plan before the government’s deadline, and how Alitalia’s operations will be managed in the meantime under state support. The situation also highlights broader consolidation and strategic partnership trends across European aviation as carriers and national entities search for sustainable models amid market pressures.