Italy and Spain are set to benefit from enhanced travel connectivity thanks to the recent partnership between ITA Airways and iryo, the Spanish high-speed rail operator. This initiative will significantly improve travel options for passengers wishing to navigate between the two countries through Integrated Ticketing, making it easier than ever to combine air and rail travel.
On February 17, 2025, ITA Airways announced this collaborative effort with iryo, officially marking the launch of this intermodal connection. This partnership not only integrates different modes of transportation, but it also allows travelers to book seamless journeys across Italy and Spain under one reservation.
Travelers can now easily reach various Spanish destinations—including Córdoba, Valencia, Alicante, Seville, and Málaga—on high-speed trains without needing direct flights from ITA Airways. This is particularly beneficial as these cities are currently not served directly by the airline. Conversely, iryo passengers will now have access to ITA Airways’ extensive network, tapping over 20 airports across Italy, such as Rome, Milan, and Venice, to name but a few. By combining train and air services, both air and rail customers are set to enjoy superior travel experiences.
The integration of these services helps streamline travel plans. For example, ITA Airways customers can receive their train tickets via email or directly from the iryo website, allowing for greater convenience. The local train connections are included at no extra charge, meaning no hidden costs for travelers. It’s all about making travel as straightforward and enjoyable as possible.
Joerg Eberhart, CEO and General Manager of ITA Airways, expressed enthusiasm over the cooperation, stating, "Our goal is to guarantee more efficient connectivity between Spain and Italy, guaranteeing connections from our hub in Rome Fiumicino, via Madrid and Barcelona, to seven destinations in Spain.” This strategy underlines ITA Airways' commitment to enhancing intermodal travel—rooted firmly in the principles of sustainability, innovation, and customer-centric services.
Similarly, Stefano Antonio Donnarumma, CEO and General Manager of the FS Group, which partly owns iryo, views this partnership as pivotal. He proclaimed, "For the FS Group, Europe is not just a market: it is a fundamental strategic opportunity... A 40% increase in passenger volume is estimated." His vision includes promoting sustainable mobility, underscoring the significance of intermodal transport as the heart of any comprehensive European transport system.
The new arrangement directly addresses growing consumer demand for more flexible travel options. With ITA Airways already flying to multiple destinations, providing 42 weekly flight frequencies between Spain and Italy, enhancing those connections with rail links seems advantageous for future growth. Travelers will travel with confidence, knowing their journeys are organized for optimal efficiency and reliability.
This efficient transition between rail and air, and the growing number of routes available, marks just the beginning for the collaboration as both companies strive to cater to passengers' needs.
Overall, the partnership between ITA Airways and iryo is set to redefine how travelers maneuver between Italy and Spain, promising to lay down the foundations for smoother and more sustainable travel experiences. By linking train and air services seamlessly, it signifies a strong step toward integrated European transportation systems, where the focus lies on positive impacts for the environment as well as enhancing the quality of travel.