Houston gains direct link to Rome with new ITA Airways service

May 1, 2026

HOUSTON —Houston is now directly connected to Rome.

Houston Airports and ITA Airways today celebrated the arrival of the first-ever nonstop flight between George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and Rome Fiumicino (FCO), marking a milestone in international air service for the region.

The inaugural flight landed Friday afternoon at IAH and was greeted with a water arch salute from the Houston Fire Department, followed by a gate-side celebration recognizing the new route and the partnership behind it.

The new service, operated by ITA Airways, Italy’s flag carrier, creates a long-awaited direct connection between Houston and Italy, expanding access to Europe for business travelers, tourists and families across the region.

“Houston has long been an international city with deep ties to Italy through business and culture, and today we strengthen those bonds in a powerful new way,” said John Whitmire, Mayor of Houston. “ This first-ever nonstop flight to Rome connects two global cities known for innovation, energy and history. It opens new doors for trade, tourism and investment, while making Houston even more accessible as we prepare to welcome the world for the FIFA World Cup. This route is a win for travelers, a win for our economy and another signal that Houston has been discovered and continues to lead on the global stage.”

“Today’s inaugural flight connects two global cities in a meaningful new way,” said Jim Szczesniak, director of aviation for Houston Airports. “This service strengthens our international network, expands options for our passengers and reinforces Houston’s role as a premier global gateway.”

Starting today, ITA Airways will operate three weekly nonstop flights between Houston and Rome, increasing to five weekly frequencies on June 1. The route is operated using the Airbus A330-900, a next-generation aircraft designed for long-haul international service.

“Houston is a key addition for our airline, representing a further growth in our long-haul network,” said Joerg Eberhart, CEO and General Manager of ITA Airways. “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.”

“This is a great day for Houstonians. As a Texan and as the U.S. Ambassador to Italy, I'm thrilled by ITA Airways' new direct route between Houston and Rome,” said Tilman J. Fertitta, U.S. Ambassador to Italy and San Marino. “This connection strengthens the economic ties that drive mutual understanding and shared prosperity, and I'm grateful to ITA Airways, Mayor John Whitmire and all the partners who helped make it possible."

The addition of Rome builds on Houston’s position as one of the most connected international gateways in the United States, linking passengers to destinations across five continents and serving as a primary gateway to Latin America and the South-Central region of the country.

The timing of the new route comes as Houston continues to prepare to welcome the world this summer.

“In about the same time it takes to drive from Houston to El Paso, travelers can now fly nonstop to Rome,” said Szczesniak. “That’s the kind of connectivity that changes how people move, how businesses connect and how cities grow.”