SINGAPORE, 5 May 2026: ITA Airways, Italy’s flag carrier, launched the first-ever direct flight between Rome Fiumicino (FCO) and Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) over the weekend, opening up Italy to travellers from Houston and the surrounding region.
The new service expands the airline’s North American network to nine destinations, strengthening ITA Airways’ position in the US — its most important market outside Italy. Houston, the fourth-largest city in the US 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.
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 a 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 ITA Airways CEO and General Manager Joerg Eberhart. “We are proud of our service, where travellers can begin to experience Italy from the moment they depart Houston.”
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 between Italy and the United States. Houston stands out as a global hub for the energy and aerospace industries, with a particular focus on key sectors such as aerospace, defence, and government. The region is also distinguished by the presence of major corporate groups, which contribute to steady, well-established demand.
ITA next-generation Airbus A330-900 flies the direct Rome-Houston service. Houston joins ITA Airways’ North American network alongside New York, Boston, Miami, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Washington DC, Chicago, and Toronto. The new connection will initially operate three weekly frequencies, increasing to five from 1 June, 2026. It 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.
(Source: ITA)
