Last Friday, ITA Airways inaugurated its first non-stop service between Rome and George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston. This new route marks the first direct link between these two global metropolises and solidifies the United States as the carrier’s most critical international market.
A Bridge Between the Energy Hub and the Eternal City
The arrival of ITA Airways in Houston closes a historical gap in transatlantic connectivity. As the fourth-largest city in the U.S. and a nerve center for the energy and aerospace industries, Houston had previously lacked a direct flight to the Italian capital.
This service expands the airline’s North American network to a total of nine destinations, joining New York, Boston, Miami, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Washington D.C., Chicago, and Toronto.
Operations and Fleet: Innovation with a “Made in Italy” Seal
The inaugural flight was operated by an Airbus A330-900neo, a next-generation aircraft renowned for its operational efficiency and advanced technology. The aircraft’s interior design reflects Italian identity, offering an onboard experience aimed at promoting the country’s style, gastronomy, and hospitality from the moment of takeoff.
→ ITA Airways Expands Intercontinental Network with New Direct Route Between Rome and Santo Domingo
Frequency Details:
- Service Launch: The route commences with three weekly frequencies.
- Seasonal Increase: Starting June 1, 2026, the offering will increase to five flights per week.
- Additional Connectivity: From the Rome Fiumicino (FCO) hub, passengers can connect to the airline’s extensive domestic and international network, including destinations via Milan Linate Airport (LIN).
ITA Airways CEO and General Manager, Joerg Eberhart, emphasized that Houston is a key addition to the growth of the company’s long-haul network. Meanwhile, Houston Mayor John Whitmire noted that this flight strengthens commercial ties and prepares the city to welcome international visitors ahead of major events such as the FIFA World Cup.
Commitment to Italian Excellence
ITA Airways’ expansion does not stop at the U.S. market. As part of its summer season strategy, the airline has introduced a new onboard menu highlighting seasonal ingredients and iconic regional dishes.
Furthermore, the company is already looking toward the future with the announcement of its first major addition for the 2026-2027 winter season: a seasonal direct flight between Rome and Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. With these new routes, the airline reaffirms its role as an ambassador of Italian excellence, facilitating commercial, cultural, and industrial exchange between historically allied nations.
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