Emirates Faces Competition From ITA Airways on Milan Routes

Emirates is facing new competition as the Italian flag carrier ITA Airways prepares to launch long-haul flights from Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) in a direct move to challenge the Dubai-based airline's expansion plans. As of November 3, 2026, reports indicate that ITA Airways is looking to secure its presence in northern Italy by targeting the same route Emirates has sought to operate.

Why it is trending now

The trend follows reports that Emirates has applied for permission to operate a 'fifth-freedom' flight from Milan to Lima, Peru. A fifth-freedom route allows an airline to carry passengers between two foreign countries as part of a service that originates in its home country. ITA Airways is responding by planning its own service between Milan and Lima to thwart these expansion efforts.

Key facts

• According to PYOK, Emirates is considering additional fifth-freedom routes from Milan to Los Angeles, São Paulo, Santiago de Chile, and Mexico City.
• Aviation A2Z reports that ITA Airways plans to use an Airbus A350 to operate a W-shaped pattern, connecting Rome, Lima, and Milan.
• Corriere della Sera indicates the proposed schedule includes three weekly flights between Rome and Lima, alongside two or three weekly services between Lima and Milan.
• ITA Airways will not establish a new long-haul base in Milan, opting instead to manage the route through its existing Rome Fiumicino (FCO) operations.

Why this is trending in UAE

The news is trending in the UAE because Emirates is a national flagship carrier and a major economic driver for Dubai. Any change in the airline's international expansion strategy or competitive landscape in key European hubs like Milan is of significant interest to local business and aviation observers.

Background and context

Since its inception, ITA Airways has primarily based its long-haul operations out of Rome Fiumicino. The current proposal to incorporate Milan Malpensa into its network represents a shift in strategy. Emirates has previously utilized fifth-freedom rights to expand its global reach, a model that has drawn both scrutiny and competition from legacy carriers seeking to protect their home markets.

What happens next

The implementation of these routes remains subject to regulatory approval in Italy. ITA Airways must finalize the logistics of its W-shaped aircraft rotation, while Emirates awaits a decision on its application for the Milan-Lima route. No specific launch dates for either service have been confirmed at the time of writing.