Emirates is poised to secure regulatory approval for a direct fifth-freedom flight linking Milan Malpensa to Lima, Peru, according to industry sources cited by Corriere. The prospective route threatens to disrupt Ita Airways’ expansion plans in South America as legacy European carriers battle for lucrative transatlantic traffic flows.
Emirates Eyes Milan-Lima Fifth-Freedom Route
According to sources familiar with the bureaucratic process, the Dubai-based carrier is awaiting final signatures to extend its fifth-freedom operating rights under the bilateral agreement between Italy and the United Arab Emirates. The authorization would cover both passenger transport and bellyhold cargo operations, with an effective start window anticipated for the upcoming winter season beginning in late October and running through March, as reported by Corriere.
The fifth-freedom framework permits an airline from a third country to transport paying passengers and cargo between two foreign states, provided the flight originates or terminates in its home country under a single flight number. While the regulatory clearance grants immediate operational capability, an Emirates spokesperson told Corriere that the airline currently holds no immediate plans to launch flights to Lima, noting that the carrier continuously evaluates route performance based on market conditions, aircraft availability, and ongoing demand.
Impact on Ita Airways and Transatlantic Competition
According to Corriere’s reporting, the potential entry of Emirates onto the Italy-to-South America corridor introduces direct competition for Ita Airways. The carrier, currently holding a 41% stake owned by Lufthansa with scheduled integration to 90% by early 2027, has prioritized long-haul growth out of its Rome Fiumicino hub into Latin American markets. Major European airline groups, including Lufthansa, Air France-KLM, and British Airways-Iberia, are targeting this region, fueling competition for assets such as TAP Air Portugal.
Industry analysts warn that an Emirates-operated fifth-freedom link could siphon valuable passenger traffic originating in Lombardy and surrounding catchment areas. Instead of feeding travelers through European hubs like Rome, Frankfurt, Paris, Madrid, or London, regional passengers could bypass traditional connectors. For Ita Airways, this traffic diversion risks undercutting the economic viability of planned future routes, including projected connections to Santiago de Chile.
Market Demand and Additional American Routes
Specialized aviation data from Cirium shows that Emirates currently serves South America via direct flights from Dubai to Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Buenos Aires (routed via Rio), alongside Bogotá via Miami, and a Barcelona-Mexico City tag flight. Beyond the Lima file, sources indicate that Emirates is studying additional fifth-freedom opportunities out of Malpensa targeting other American destinations, including Los Angeles, São Paulo, Santiago de Chile, and Mexico City.
Market data highlights strong underlying economics for the Peruvian capital. Specialized platform statistics cited by Corriere indicate that approximately 150,000 travelers fly annually between Milan and Lima using indirect connecting flights. This volume establishes Lima as the primary unserved destination from the Lombardy hub, drawing a mix of ethnic traffic from the local Peruvian community, leisure tourists, and corporate business travelers, alongside active cargo demand.
Did you know? Armando Brunini, CEO of Sea—the company managing Malpensa and Linate airports—previously stated that South America represents a core strategic focus for Milan’s airport network following traffic expansions across Asian and North American routes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a fifth-freedom flight?
A fifth-freedom flight allows an airline from one country to fly between two foreign countries while continuing its journey to or from its home nation, permitting the sale of tickets strictly between the two foreign stops.
Does Emirates currently fly to Lima?
No. According to airline statements provided to Corriere, Emirates does not operate direct flights to Lima from Dubai or any intermediate points, though regulatory approvals for a Malpensa routing are nearing finalization.
How does this affect Milan Malpensa airport?
The potential authorization expands Malpensa’s long-haul portfolio, targeting unserved high-demand markets in South America to supplement existing connectivity provided by carriers like LATAM.
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