ITA Airways, Italy’s flag carrier, has launched the first-ever nonstop flight between Rome Fiumicino (FCO) and Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), opening Italy to travelers from Houston and the surrounding region and establishing a direct link between two major global cities.
The service strengthens ITA Airways’ position in the U.S.—its most important market outside Italy—while closing a longstanding gap in transatlantic connectivity. The airline’s North American network includes now nine destinations : New York, Boston, Miami, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Washington, D.C., Chicago, Toronto and now Houston.
The inaugural flights were operated with a next-generation Airbus A330-900, a benchmark in technology, digitalization, innovation, efficiency, and Made in Italy design.
The new connection will initially operate three weekly frequencies, increasing to five from June 1, 2026, and will offer convenient connections to numerous Italian destinations through the airline’s extensive domestic network from Rome Fiumicino and Milan Linate, reinforcing ITA Airways’ role as a bridge between North America, Italy, and Europe.
Houston, the fourth-largest city in the U.S. and a global energy hub, has historically lacked nonstop service to Rome. The new route is expected to support growing business, tourism, and family travel between the two markets.
Houston, a major destination for Rome
“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.
“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,” explained Marco Troncone, CEO of Aeroporti di Roma.
“Launching nonstop service between Houston and Rome closes a longstanding gap in global connectivity and reflects growing demand for international service,” said Jim Szczesniak, Director of Aviation for Houston Airports. “This route strengthens IAH’s role as a premier global gateway, connecting millions of passengers to destinations across five continents.”
Houston, and more broadly Texas, represents a market of primary strategic importance, underpinned by a highly developed industrial base and strong potential for business travel. Houston stands out as a global hub for the energy and aerospace industries, with a particular focus on key sectors such as aerospace, defense, and government. The region is also distinguished by the presence of major corporate groups, contributing to steady and well-established demand.
In another development, ITA Airways announces its first major addition for the upcoming 2026–2027 winter season: a new seasonal direct flight from Rome Fiumicino to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. The new route will operate from November 30, 2026, with one weekly frequency, increasing to two weekly flights, from December 14, 2026.
