Alitalia has filed for bankruptcy protection in a US court, temporarily safeguarding its stateside operations and assets from creditors as it is offered for sale in Italy. US bankruptcy judge Sean Lane granted the Italian flag carrier a restraining order for 10 days until 23 June, court documents show. The order will automatically be extended to 26 June unless creditors object.

A hearing for Alitalia's preliminary injunction application will take place on 26 June in New York. The airline is seeking Chapter 15 bankruptcy protection – which allows foreign companies access to US bankruptcy courts – for its leased gates at several US airports and its 36-employee operation in the USA.