ROMA (ITALPRESS) – ITA Airways, the Italian carrier of reference, anticipates one of the most important news of the next summer season and announces the opening of the new intercontinental flight that for the first time in history will connect directly Rome Fiumicino and Houston, in the United States. The new flight, operating from 1 May 2026, is now on sale on all channels of the Company with the following programming for the summer season: Rome Fiumicino – Houston From 1 to 31 May 2026: 3 weekly frequencies (Wednesday, Friday and Sunday), departure at 10:20 from Rome Fiumicino and arrival at the George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston at 15:40 (local time). From 1 June to 24 October 2026: 5 weekly frequencies (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday). Houston – Rome Fiumicino From 1st to 31st May 2026: 3 weekly frequencies (Wednesday, Friday and Sunday), departure from George Bush Intercontinental Airport at 18:10 and arrival at Rome Fiumicino at 11:50 (local time of the next day). From 1 June to 24 October 2026: 5 weekly frequencies (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday). The connection will be operated with Airbus A330-900.
With the opening of the flight to Houston, ITA Airways inaugurates its ninth destination in North America, further consolidating its presence in a strategic market. The United States is the main international market of the Company, which already operates direct flights to New York, Boston, Miami, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Washington D.C., and during the summer season Chicago and Toronto. “The new route – explains the company in a note – guarantees passengers comfortable connections to multiple Italian destinations, not only Rome and Milan: In fact, ITA Airways serves 16 Italian airports from the hub of Rome Fiumicino and 12 from Milan Linate, offering rapid connections to the whole country.
The Company is the gateway to culture, style, food and wine and Italian hospitality. As an ambassador of Made in Italy, ITA Airways places hospitality, style and warmth at the heart of its experience on board.” To further expand passenger travel options, ITA Airways has recently partnered with United Airlines and Air Canada through codeshare agreements.
“We are proud to announce that for the first time in history Rome and Houston will be connected with a direct flight. This is the ninth destination we operate in North America and will help to further enrich the intercontinental network of the Company, one of the main assets of ITA Airways: the long range not only supports profitability, but also favors short-range traffic, strengthening the hub of Rome Fiumicino – said Joerg Eberhart, CEO and General Manager of ITA Airways -. With this new route we consolidate our expansion in the US market, the most important at international level. The vast offer from the hub of Rome allows us to be the reference carrier from the USA to Italy and, through Rome, to Europe and the Mediterranean for the Italian community and the main communities of the countries of the area. The new destination is also part of a broader growth path on international markets, which will culminate with the entry of ITA Airways to Star Alliance, scheduled for 2026, as part of the integration into the Lufthansa Group“.
“We welcome ITA Airways to Houston, as this reflects the leading role of our city on the global scene,” said Mayor John Whitmire. “The first ever route between Houston and Rome will strengthen our commercial, diplomatic and cultural links with Italy. In addition, it will bring more visitors to discover the vibrant culture of Houston, its world-class healthcare system and its diverse industries.”.
“The direct link with Rome is a decisive moment for Houston and is the direct result of the solidity and credibility of our airport system. This route will bring new visitors, new investments and new business opportunities in our region – said Jim Szczesniak, Director of Aviation for Houston Airports –. It expands the presence of Houston in Europe and shows that a regulated and strategic growth of the Houston Airports generates a measurable economic impact. Solid airports are not limited to moving people: They shape markets, expand opportunities and help define the role of a city in the world.”.
“As Texan and as US Ambassador to Italy, I am excited about the new direct ITA Airways link between Houston and Rome. Strengthens economic links that fuel mutual understanding and shared prosperity – said Tilman J. Fertitta, United States Ambassador to Italy and San Marino –. It was a pleasure to work with ITA Airways CEO Joerg Eberhart, Mayor John Whitmire and all partners who helped make this project possible.”.
-Photos Ita Airways-
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