About Lumiwings
Lumiwings was an Italian regional and charter airline that held IATA code L9 and ICAO code LWG. The airline was founded in December 2015 in Athens, Greece, by a group of experienced aviators who were previously associated with Astra Airlines, a Greek regional carrier. Lumiwings was based at Foggia Gino Lisa Airport (FOG) in the Apulia (Puglia) region of southern Italy, and it focused on providing affordable scheduled and charter air services connecting underserved communities in southern Italy with key European destinations.
Lumiwings positioned itself as a regional lifeline carrier for Foggia, a province in Puglia that had historically been underserved by major Italian and European carriers. The airline also operated ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) and charter services for other carriers and travel organisations across Europe.
After nearly a decade of operations, Lumiwings ceased operations in September 2025, ending its scheduled services and marking the end of an era for direct air connectivity from Foggia Gino Lisa Airport.
Airline Overview and History
Lumiwings was established with a clear mission: to provide reliable, affordable air connectivity for the people of Foggia and the broader Apulia region of Italy. Key milestones include:
- December 2015: Lumiwings is founded in Athens, Greece, by former Astra Airlines pilots and aviation professionals.
- 2016–2017: The airline secures its Italian Air Operator Certificate (AOC) and begins preparations to launch scheduled services from Foggia Gino Lisa Airport.
- 2018: Lumiwings launches inaugural scheduled routes from Foggia, connecting the city with destinations in northern Italy.
- 2019–2020: The route network expands to include connections to European cities. ACMI and charter operations supplement the scheduled programme. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupts operations in 2020.
- 2021–2023: Lumiwings resumes and grows its scheduled operations post-pandemic, adding routes to Central European cities and reinforcing Foggia–Milan Bergamo as its busiest route.
- 2024–2025: The airline faces increasing cost pressures. In September 2025, a London court orders its sole operating E195 returned to lessor Azorra, triggering the cessation of operations.
- September 2025: Lumiwings ceases all operations. Foggia Gino Lisa Airport loses its only based commercial carrier.
Lumiwings was based at Foggia Gino Lisa Airport (IATA: FOG, ICAO: LIBF), a small regional airport located approximately 3 kilometres from the city centre of Foggia. Its location in northern Apulia made it a practical departure point for travellers from Foggia, the Capitanata region, and parts of neighbouring Molise and Basilicata.
Fleet and Aircraft
During its years of operation, Lumiwings operated a mixed fleet of narrow-body jet aircraft suited to short-haul and medium-haul European routes:
- Boeing 737-300: A classic short-to-medium-range narrow-body jet typically seating between 128 and 149 passengers. Lumiwings used this aircraft on its busier scheduled routes and ACMI contracts.
- Boeing 737-400: A slightly stretched version of the 737-300, capable of seating up to 168 passengers, providing additional capacity for peak-season demand.
- Boeing 737-700: A next-generation narrow-body offering improved fuel efficiency over the Classic series, typically accommodating around 128 passengers on medium-density European routes.
- Embraer E195: A Brazilian-built regional jet capable of carrying up to 122 passengers, particularly well suited to regional routes with lower passenger volumes. This was the aircraft whose return to its lessor triggered the closure of Lumiwings in September 2025.
All Lumiwings aircraft were maintained in compliance with EASA regulations and the requirements of the Italian Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC).
Top Flight Routes
Lumiwings operated a focused route network centred on Foggia Gino Lisa Airport, connecting southern Italy with key northern Italian and Central European destinations:
- Foggia to Milan Bergamo (BGY): The airline's busiest and most commercially important route, connecting Foggia with Orio al Serio Airport near Bergamo, serving the greater Milan metropolitan area.
- Foggia to Munich (MUC): An international service connecting Foggia with Bavaria's capital, catering to the large Italian diaspora community in Germany and tourists visiting Apulia.
- Foggia to Venice (VCE/TSF): A domestic Italian service connecting Foggia with the Veneto region.
- Charter and ACMI Services: Lumiwings also operated charter flights and wet-lease contracts for other European carriers and tour operators across the continent.
Travellers from Malaysia planning to visit Italy or explore the broader Mediterranean region can search for connecting flights on Traveloka:
- Kuala Lumpur to Rome — a direct gateway to Italy, with convenient connections to Foggia and the Apulia region by train or domestic flight.
- Kuala Lumpur to Milan — connecting Malaysian travellers with Lumiwings' former home hub region in northern Italy.
- Kuala Lumpur to Athens — a route to Greece, the country where Lumiwings was originally founded.
- Athens to Naples — a useful connection for travellers exploring southern Italy, with Naples serving as a gateway to Apulia.
- Kuala Lumpur to Amsterdam — a major European hub with connections to Italy and southern Europe.
- Kuala Lumpur to Paris — another major gateway with extensive onward connections to Italian cities.
Baggage Allowance and Policies
During its operational years, Lumiwings published baggage allowances aligned with standard European regional airline practices. As the airline ceased operations in September 2025, the policies below reflect the standards in effect during its active period:
- Cabin Baggage: One piece of cabin baggage with a maximum weight of 8 kg and dimensions not exceeding 55 × 40 × 23 cm. One small personal item (handbag, laptop bag) was also permitted free of charge.
- Checked Baggage: Economy passengers on scheduled routes typically received 20 kg of checked baggage as standard, with a maximum weight of 32 kg per individual bag.
- Excess Baggage: Passengers exceeding their included allowance were charged excess baggage fees at check-in. Pre-purchasing additional baggage at the time of booking was available at a lower cost.
- Prohibited Items: Standard EASA and EU aviation regulations applied regarding dangerous goods, lithium batteries, and flammable liquids. Liquids in hand baggage were limited to 100 ml per container in a transparent resealable bag.
Check-in Guide
During its operational years, Lumiwings offered the following check-in options:
- Airport Counter Check-In: Counters opened 2 hours before departure for domestic routes and 2.5 to 3 hours before departure for international routes. Check-in counters closed 40 minutes before departure.
- Online Check-In: Available from 24 hours up to 3 hours before departure via the Lumiwings website. Passengers could present either a printed or mobile boarding pass.
- Identification at Check-In: A valid government-issued photo ID was required. Non-EU travellers needed a valid passport and any applicable Schengen visa.
Cabin Classes and In-Flight Experience
Lumiwings operated an all-economy single-class configuration across its fleet, positioned as a value-oriented regional carrier:
- Seating: The Boeing 737-300 and 737-400 offered standard short-haul seating. The Embraer E195 featured a 2-2 seating layout in economy, providing slightly more comfort than the 3-3 layout of the Boeing 737 variants.
- In-Flight Meals: Complimentary snacks and non-alcoholic beverages were provided on most scheduled services. Special dietary meals were available on request for charter flights.
- In-Flight Entertainment: Lumiwings did not operate an in-seat personal entertainment system. In-flight Wi-Fi was not available.
Passenger Policies and Special Services
- Children and Infants: Infants under 2 years could travel on an adult's lap at a reduced infant fare. Children aged 2 and above required their own seat. Valid identity documents were required for all child passengers.
- Pregnant Passengers: Passengers up to and including 28 weeks of pregnancy could travel without a medical certificate. Passengers between 28 and 36 weeks required a medical certificate confirming fitness to fly. Travel was generally not permitted beyond 36 weeks of pregnancy. Multiple pregnancy cut-offs were more restrictive. All pregnant passengers were advised to consult their doctor before flying.
- Special Assistance: Wheelchair assistance and special boarding arrangements were available. Passengers requiring special assistance were asked to notify the airline or booking agent at least 48 hours before departure.
- Unaccompanied Minors: Lumiwings accepted unaccompanied minors aged 5 to 14 years on scheduled services, subject to a special assistance fee and completion of an unaccompanied minor declaration form.
Reschedule, Cancellation, and Refund Policy
During its operational years, Lumiwings maintained the following general policies. As the airline ceased operations in September 2025, any outstanding claims should be addressed through the original booking agent, credit card provider, or travel insurance provider.
- Reschedule: A rebooking fee was applicable depending on the fare type. Flexible fares permitted changes with no fee or at a reduced rate; non-flexible promotional fares did not permit changes.
- Cancellation by Passenger: Fully flexible fares were eligible for a full refund. Semi-flexible fares qualified for a partial refund. Non-refundable fares could be converted to travel credit.
- Cancellation by Airline: Passengers were entitled to a full refund, rebooking at no additional cost, or travel credit in accordance with EU Regulation 261/2004.
- Refund Processing: Credit/debit card refunds were typically processed within 7 to 14 business days. Travel credit refunds were processed within 3 to 5 business days.
Why Book Lumiwings Flights on Traveloka
While Lumiwings is no longer operating as of September 2025, Traveloka remains your trusted partner for booking flights to Italy, Greece, and all European destinations:
- Comprehensive European Coverage: Search and compare flights from Kuala Lumpur to hundreds of European destinations, including Rome, Milan, Athens, Venice, and Munich.
- Best Price Guarantee: Traveloka's real-time fare comparison ensures you always see the most competitive prices.
- Flexible Malaysian Payment Methods: Pay using Touch 'n Go eWallet, Boost, GrabPay, ShopeePay, credit cards, debit cards, or online banking — all in Malaysian Ringgit (RM).
- Instant E-Ticket Delivery: Receive your booking confirmation and e-ticket instantly in the Traveloka app and by email.
- 24/7 Customer Support: Traveloka's dedicated support team is available around the clock.
- Price Alert Feature: Set fare alerts for your favourite European routes and get notified automatically when prices drop.
- Travel Insurance Add-On: Protect your European adventure with Traveloka's optional travel insurance.
- Hotel and Flight Bundles: Book your flights and accommodation together on Traveloka for potential bundle savings.
Tips for Finding Cheap Flights on Traveloka
- Book Early: Fares to Europe from Malaysia are typically cheapest when booked 2 to 4 months in advance.
- Fly Midweek: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday departures tend to be less expensive than weekend flights.
- Use the Price Alert Feature: Activate Traveloka's Price Alert for your chosen route to Europe and receive automatic notifications when fares fall.
- Compare One-Way vs Return Fares: On some routes, booking two separate one-way tickets may be cheaper than a return fare.
- Travel in the Shoulder Season: Italy and Southern Europe are most expensive to visit in July and August. May, early June, or September offer a good balance of pleasant weather and lower airfares.
- Look Out for Flash Sales and Promotions: Traveloka regularly runs promotional campaigns and flash sales on international routes to Europe.
- Bundle Your Flight and Hotel: Booking flights and accommodation together on Traveloka can unlock additional discounts.
How to Book Flight Tickets on Traveloka
- Open Traveloka: Launch the Traveloka app or go to www.traveloka.com.
- Select Flights from the homepage.
- Enter your departure city (e.g., Kuala Lumpur), destination (e.g., Rome, Milan, or Athens), preferred travel dates, and number of passengers.
- Choose one-way, return, or multi-city depending on your travel itinerary.
- Traveloka will display available flights. Use the filter and sort tools to narrow results by price, duration, stops, or airline.
- Select the fare option that best matches your budget and schedule.
- Review the baggage allowance, cancellation policy, and any fare restrictions.
- Add optional extras such as extra baggage, travel insurance, or seat selection.
- Fill in all required passenger information including full name as per passport, date of birth, nationality, and passport number.
- Select your payment method — Touch 'n Go eWallet, Boost, GrabPay, ShopeePay, credit/debit card, or online banking — and complete secure payment.
- Your e-ticket will be delivered instantly to your registered email and saved in the Traveloka app.