There’s a new route popping up, with ITA Airways preparing a launch a route to Houston, Texas.
ITA Airways Airbus A330-900neo – Image, ITA Airways
According to ITA Airways, this will be the highlight of their summer operations, being the first time the airline has connected Rome and Houston. The route will initially scale from 3 flights a week to 5, from the 1st May through to the end of the summer timetable
Between 1st and 31st May 2026, flights will operate in both directions on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. They depart Rome Fiumicino at 10:20, arriving at Houston Intercontinental at 15:40. The return flight departs at 18:10, arriving at Rome at 11:50+1
Between 1st June and 24th October 2026, flights will operate in both directions on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. They depart Rome Fiumicino at 10:20, arriving at Houston Intercontinental at 15:40. The return flight departs at 18:10, arriving at Rome at 11:50+1
The new route will be operated using the Airbus A330-900neo on this route, with 30 Business Class beds, 24 Premium Economy Seats 237 Economy Class seats.
With the launch of the Houston flight, ITA Airways introduces its ninth North American destination, further consolidating its presence in a strategic market. The United States represents the airline’s main international market, where ITA Airways already operates direct flights to New York, Boston, Miami, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Washington D.C., and during the summer season also to Chicago and Toronto.
Passengers can make further connections onward, with ITA Airways activating codeshares with United Airlines and Air Canada.
Tickets are on sale via ITA Airways’ usual channels.
In Quotes
Joerg Eberhart, CEO and General Manager of ITA Airways, said:
“We are proud to announce that for the first time in history Rome and Houston will be connected with a direct flight. This is our ninth North American destination and will further enrich the airline’s intercontinental network, one of ITA Airways’ key assets: long-haul operations not only support profitability but also stimulate short-haul traffic, strengthening the Rome Fiumicino hub,”
“With this new route, we consolidate our expansion in the U.S. market, our most important international market. The extensive offer from Rome allows us to be the reference carrier from the U.S. to Italy and, via Rome, to Europe and the Mediterranean for the Italian community and other major communities in the region. The new destination is also part of a broader international growth strategy, culminating in ITA Airways joining the Star Alliance in 2026, within the integration process into the Lufthansa Group.”
Houston Mayor John Whitmire added:
“We welcome ITA Airways to Houston, as it reflects our city’s prominence on the global stage,”
“The first ever route between Houston and Rome will strengthen our business, diplomatic and cultural ties with Italy. It will also bring more visitors to experience Houston’s vibrant culture, world-class healthcare and diverse industries.”
Jim Szczesniak, Director of Aviation for Houston Airports, further added
“Nonstop service to Rome is a defining moment for Houston and a direct result of the strength and credibility of our airport system. This route will bring new visitors, new investment and new business opportunities into our region,”
.“It expands Houston’s presence in Europe and proves that disciplined, strategic growth at Houston Airports delivers measurable economic impact. Strong airports don’t just move people. They shape markets, expand opportunity and help define a city’s place in the world.
A new transatlantic link
Rome continues its expansion as a hub, with North America continuing to have additional links added on, with both Delta and Alaska Airlines adding routes from Seattle, with ITA Airways trying a new market to Houston.
With new routes, Rome Fiumicino is hotting up as a transatlantic hub for those who wish to bypass the European traditional hubs, yet require a base to explore southern Europe and Italy. Meanwhile, Houston gains another transatlantic route – something that will make the airport authorities very happy.
ITA Airways seems to have confidence in this route, with a three-flight-a-week service, before scaling up to a full five-flight-a-week operation.
The trick, of course, is to see if this is a seasonal route, or if ITA Airways can convert this into a full year-round operation.
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