ITA Airways Launches New Intercontinental Service Between Rome and Houston

ITA Airways has recently announced the opening of sales for their new intercontinental flight connecting Rome Fiumicino with Houston. This marks the first direct connection between the two cities and is set to debut on May 1, 2026. The new route is considered one of the key additions to the airline’s Summer 2026 long-haul program.

Initially, the service will operate three times a week in May and will then increase to five weekly flights from June until late October. All flights will be operated by the Airbus A330-900, which is ITA Airways’ newest long-haul flagship. The aircraft boasts advanced technology, improved efficiency, and a luxurious cabin designed with Italian style in mind.

The addition of Houston to ITA Airways’ network brings the total number of North American destinations served by the airline to nine, making it their most important international market. The carrier already offers flights to New York, Boston, Miami, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Washington D. C. , with seasonal flights to Chicago and Toronto.

Passengers traveling through Rome will have access to an extensive network of connections across Italy, as ITA Airways currently serves 16 destinations from Fiumicino and an additional 12 from Milan Linate.

CEO Joerg Eberhart stated that the new route will not only strengthen the airline’s presence in the U. S. , but also enhance their Rome hub. He added that long-haul operations are crucial for profitability and help support their short-haul network. The launch of this service also comes ahead of ITA Airways’ expected entry into the Star Alliance in 2026 as part of their integration into the Lufthansa Group.

Local officials in Houston have praised the new route as a significant milestone for the region. Mayor John Whitmire believes that the direct link to Rome will deepen commercial, diplomatic, and cultural ties with Italy. Jim Szczesniak, Director of Aviation for Houston Airports, called it a “defining moment” that will drive new investment and tourism.

U. S. Ambassador to Italy, Tilman J. Fertitta, who is a native Texan, believes that the new service will strengthen economic ties between the two countries, leading to mutual understanding and shared prosperity. With the launch of this new intercontinental flight, ITA Airways is paving the way for increased connectivity and growth in both Rome and Houston.