ITA Airways Launches Direct Route between Rome and Houston
ITA Airways, the Italian flag carrier, has recently launched the first nonstop service between Rome Fiumicino Airport and Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport. The inaugural flight, operated on May 2, 2026, utilized a next-generation Airbus A330-900 and marked a significant milestone in transatlantic connectivity between the two cities. This new route expands ITA Airways’ North American network to a total of nine destinations.

Initial service will consist of three weekly frequencies, increasing to five flights per week starting on June 1, 2026. Houston joins ITA Airways’ existing North American network, which includes New York, Boston, Miami, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Washington D. C. , Chicago, and Toronto.

Strategic Benefits for Business and Tourism
As the fourth-largest city in the United States, Houston is a global hub for the energy, aerospace, and defense industries. This new route is expected to support business, tourism, and family travel between the two markets, as well as provide convenient connections to other destinations in Italy and Europe via Rome Fiumicino and Milan Linate airports.

Joerg Eberhart, CEO and General Manager of ITA Airways, expressed excitement about the new route, stating, “Houston is a key addition for our airline and represents a further growth in our long-haul network. We intend to build our future development on this route, which opens up more of Italy to Houstonians and the wider Gulf Coast region. ” Launch events for the route were held in both Rome and Houston, with attendees including government officials, airport leaders, and company executives.

Mutual Benefits for Italy and the United States
Sandro Pappalardo, Chairman of ITA Airways, highlighted the significance of the route, stating, “It brings people and cultures closer together and reinforces our role as an ambassador of Made in Italy worldwide. ” U. S. Ambassador to Italy and San Marino, Tilman J. Fertitta, also welcomed the launch, saying, “This is a great day for Houstonians. As a Texan and as the U. S. Ambassador to Italy, I’m thrilled by ITA Airways’ new direct route between Houston and Rome. This connection strengthens the economic ties that drive mutual understanding and shared prosperity.

Strong Backing from Airport and City Leaders
Marco Troncone, CEO of Aeroporti di Roma, emphasized the strategic importance of the route for Rome’s intercontinental network, stating, “With this new route, the number of North American airports connected to Fiumicino will rise to 22 in Summer 2026. ” Houston Mayor John Whitmire also praised the new route, saying, “This first-ever nonstop flight to Rome connects two global cities known for innovation, energy, and history. 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.