ITA Airways launches direct flights between Houston and Rome
ITA Airways-1
The new connection will initially operate three weekly frequencies, increasing to five from June 1, 2026.
ITA Airways, Italy’s flag carrier, launched the first-ever nonstop flight between Rome Fiumicino (FCO) and Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), opening up Italy to travellers 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 service strengthens ITA Airways’ position in the U.S. while closing a longstanding gap in transatlantic connectivity. 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 is a key addition for our airline, representing a further growth in our long haul-network, on which we intend to build our future development,” said Joerg Eberhart, CEO and General Manager of ITA Airways.
Sandro Pappalardo, Chairman of ITA Airways, said “This route is much more than a new connection for us.It brings people and cultures closer together and reinforces our role as ambassador of Made in Italy worldwide. It also enables the many Italian-Americans in Texas to reconnect with their roots, offering a direct link to their loved ones and creating new opportunities for meaningful connections.”
Tilman J. Fertitta, U.S. Ambassador to Italy and San Marino, said “This connection strengthens the economic ties that drive mutual understanding and shared prosperity, and I’m grateful to ITA Airways CEO Joerg Eberhart, Mayor John Whitmire, and all the partners who helped make it possible.”
Marco Troncone, CEO of Aeroporti di Roma, said, “With this new route, the number of North American airports connected to Fiumicino will rise to 22 in Summer 2026, further strengthening the deep economic, cultural, and industrial ties between Italy and the United States and helping to create new opportunities for exchange, investment, and collaboration between two historically allied and increasingly interconnected countries”.
“It opens new doors for trade, tourism and investment, while making Houston even more accessible as we prepare to welcome the world for the FIFA World Cup,” said John Whitmire, Mayor of Houston.
Jim Szczesniak, Director of Aviation for Houston Airports, said “This route strengthens IAH’s role as a premier global gateway, connecting millions of passengers to destinations across five continents.”
The inaugural flights were operated with Airbus A330-900. 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.
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.
