ITA Airways is strengthening its presence in the United States with the launch of a new nonstop route connecting Rome Fiumicino and Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport.
Beginning May 1, 2026, the seasonal service marks the first direct air link between the two cities, opening new opportunities for business and leisure travel between Italy and Texas.
The route will start with three weekly flights throughout May, operating on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. From June through October, frequencies will increase to five weekly flights, adding Monday and Saturday to the schedule.
The new service will be operated by the Airbus A330-900, ITA Airways’ flagship long-haul aircraft known for its modern cabin design and fuel-efficient performance. Flights from Rome will depart late morning, arriving in Houston mid-afternoon, while the return flight will leave Texas early evening and land in Rome the following day.
This timing allows for smooth onward connections through Fiumicino, where ITA maintains an extensive network of European and domestic destinations. The addition of Houston also brings ITA’s North American network to nine cities, joining New York, Boston, Miami, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Washington D.C., as well as seasonal flights to Chicago and Toronto.
For ITA Airways, the route represents a strategic expansion in its most important international market. CEO Joerg Eberhart emphasized that the U.S. remains central to the airline’s long-haul growth plan and plays a key role in its upcoming integration into the Lufthansa Group.
The airline is also preparing to join Star Alliance in 2026, which will significantly enhance its global connectivity. Houston’s status as a major hub for energy, medical research and international business makes it a natural addition to ITA’s U.S. network, offering strong commercial demand and access to one of the country’s fastest-growing metropolitan regions.
Local leaders in Houston have welcomed the announcement, noting the cultural and economic ties that will deepen with a direct link to Italy. The flight is expected to generate increased inbound tourism while providing new options for travelers heading to Europe and the Mediterranean via ITA’s Rome hub.
The launch follows expanded codeshare agreements with United Airlines and Air Canada, which further improve travel flexibility for passengers connecting across North America.
As ITA Airways continues to build its long-haul operations, the Rome–Houston route highlights the airline’s commitment to expanding global access and reinforcing Rome Fiumicino’s role as a key transatlantic gateway. With a modern fleet and a growing partnership network, ITA is positioning itself for stronger competitive presence in the U.S. market and sustained international growth.
