ITA Airways, Italy’s flag carrier, has launched the first-ever nonstop flight between Rome Fiumicino (FCO) and Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). This new service opens Italy to travellers from Houston and surrounding regions, establishing a direct link between two major global cities. The route expands the airline’s North American network to nine destinations.
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 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 is a key addition for our airline, representing further growth in our long-haul network, on which we intend to build our future development. It’s a vibrant city that combines its role as a global energy capital with a growing arts and cultural scene. The new service opens up more of Italy to Houstonians and the wider Gulf Coast region, providing a direct gateway to Rome and onward connections across Italy and Europe,” said Joerg Eberhart, CEO and General Manager of ITA Airways.
“We are proud of our service, where travellers can begin to experience Italy from the moment they depart Houston.”
“It is with great excitement and pride that today I personally welcomed all our passengers departing on ITA Airways’ first Rome to Houston flight,” said Sandro Pappalardo, Chairman of ITA Airways.
“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.”
“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,” said Tilman J. Fertitta, U.S. Ambassador to Italy and San Marino.
“This connection strengthens economic ties that drive mutual understanding and shared prosperity.”
“We warmly welcome the new ITA Airways service from Fiumicino to Houston,” said Marco Troncone, CEO of Aeroporti di Roma.
“It is a strategic route for expanding the intercontinental network of the capital’s airport and, for the first time, establishes a direct flight between Italy and one of the most dynamic metropolitan areas in the United States. With this new route, the number of North American airports connected to Fiumicino will rise to 22 in Summer 2026.”
“Houston has long been an international city with deep ties to Italy through business and culture,” said John Whitmire, Mayor of Houston.
“This nonstop flight opens new doors for trade, tourism, and investment, while making Houston more accessible as we prepare to welcome the world for the FIFA World Cup.”
“Launching nonstop service between Houston and Rome closes a longstanding gap in global connectivity,” said Jim Szczesniak, Director of Aviation for Houston Airports.
“This route strengthens IAH’s role as a premier global gateway, connecting millions of passengers across five continents.”
Houston and Texas represent a strategically important market, supported by a strong industrial base and demand for business travel. The region is a global hub for energy, aerospace, defence, and government sectors, with major corporate presence driving consistent demand.
The inaugural flights are operated using the Airbus A330-900, featuring advanced technology, efficiency, and Italian design. Initially operating three times weekly, the service will increase to five weekly flights from June 1, 2026.
Houston joins ITA Airways’ North American network alongside New York, Boston, Miami, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Washington D.C., Chicago, and Toronto.
The airline continues to position itself as a gateway to Italian excellence, promoting culture, style, gastronomy, and hospitality. A new onboard menu, launched in April, features seasonal ingredients and regional dishes reinterpreted in a contemporary style, enhancing the inflight experience.
Looking ahead, ITA Airways has also announced a new seasonal nonstop route between Rome and Santo Domingo for winter 2026–2027.
All flights are available through ITA Airways’ official channels, including its website, app, customer service, travel agencies, and airport ticket offices.
Janice Alyosius is a travel and MICE journalist focusing on business travel, destination marketing, aviation and industry policy. She leads editorial content at MICEtalk and also writes for TravTalk, covering global trends, trade developments and key industry conversations. With regular reporting from tourism forums, conventions and on-ground industry events, her work blends news-led analysis with strong industry voices, offering clear context and relevance for travel trade professionals and decision-makers.