ITA Launches First Direct Flights Between Rome and Houston

‎ITA Airways, Italy’s flag carrier, has launched the first-ever nonstop flight between Rome Fiumicino (FCO) and Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), opening up Italy to travelers from Houston and the surrounding region, and establishing a direct link between two major global cities. The new service expands the airline’s North American network to nine destinations.

‎The inaugural flights were operated with an Airbus A330-900neo, a benchmark in technology, digitalization, innovation, efficiency, and Made in Italy design. With the launch of the new route, Houston joins ITA Airways’ North American network alongside New York, Boston, Miami, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Washington D.C., Chicago, and Toronto.

‎The new connection will initially operate three weekly frequencies, increasing to five from June 1, 2026, and will offer convenient connections to numerous Italian destinations through the airline’s extensive domestic network from Rome Fiumicino and Milan Linate, reinforcing ITA Airways’ role as a bridge between North America, Italy, and Europe.

‎The service strengthens ITA Airways’ position in the U.S. — its most important market outside Italy — while closing a longstanding gap in transatlantic connectivity. Houston, the fourth-largest city in the U.S. and a global energy hub, has historically lacked nonstop service to Rome. The new route is expected to support growing business, tourism, and family travel between the two markets.

‎Launch events were held in both Rome and Houston with government officials, airport leaders, and company executives, underscoring the route’s economic and cultural significance.

‎Houston, and more broadly Texas, represents a market of primary strategic importance, underpinned by a highly developed industrial base and strong potential for business travel between Italy and the United States. Houston stands out as a global hub for the energy and aerospace industries, with a particular focus on key sectors such as aerospace, defense, and government. The region is also distinguished by the presence of major corporate groups, contributing to steady and well-established demand.

‎ITA Airways aims to serve as a gateway to Italian excellence, promoting culture, style, gastronomy, and hospitality. As an ambassador of Made in Italy worldwide, the airline places typically Italian warmth, elegance, and hospitality at the heart of its flight experience, offering passengers a journey that reflects the country’s identity and values.

‎Among the new features of the summer season inspired by Italian identity, a new onboard menu has been available on flights departing from Italy since April. It combines quality, aesthetics, and sustainability, highlighting carefully selected seasonal ingredients and transforming the onboard experience into a true “journey within the journey,” discovering the flavors and traditions of Italy. The menu offers a selection of iconic regional dishes reinterpreted in a contemporary way, providing passengers with an experience that is authentic, refined, and surprising.

‎To highlight the strategic importance of expanding and growing in long-haul international markets, the Company has recently announced the first major addition for the winter 2026–2027 season: a new seasonal nonstop flight between Rome Fiumicino and Santo Domingo, available across all its sales channels.

‎All new flights can be purchased via ITA Airways’ official channels, including ita-airways.com, the Company’s app, the Customer Information Assistance Office, travel agencies, and airport ticket offices.