ITA Airways announces new service from IAH to Rome

Dec 2, 2025

First historical direct connection between the two hubs begins May 1, 2026

ROME, ITALY – ITA Airways, Italy’s reference carrier, announced on Tuesday, Dec. 2, one of the highlights of its Summer 2026 schedule with the launch of a new intercontinental flight directly connecting Rome Fiumicino and Houston, USA for the first time in history. The flight will commence on May 1, 2026, and is now available for purchase through all the company’s official channels, with the following schedule in the upcoming summer season:

Rome Fiumicino – Houston

• May 1–31, 2026: 3 weekly frequencies (Wednesday, Friday, Sunday), departing Rome Fiumicino at 10:20 and arriving at Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport at 15:40 (local time).
• June 1 – October 24, 2026: 5 weekly frequencies (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday).

Houston – Rome Fiumicino

• May 1–31, 2026: 3 weekly frequencies (Wednesday, Friday, Sunday), departing Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport at 18:10 and arriving in Rome Fiumicino at 11:50 the following day (local time).
• June 1 – October 24, 2026: 5 weekly frequencies (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday).

The new route will be operated using the Airbus A330-900, a next-generation aircraft and benchmark for technology, digitalization, innovation, efficiency and Made in Italy design.

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.

The new route offers passengers convenient connections to multiple Italian destinations, not only Rome and Milan. ITA Airways serves 16 Italian airports from its Rome Fiumicino hub and 12 from Milan Linate, providing fast, seamless connections across the country. The airline represents the gateway to Italian culture, style, gastronomy and hospitality. As an ambassador of Made in Italy, ITA Airways places hospitality, style and warmth at the center of its onboard experience.

To further expand passenger travel options, ITA Airways has recently launched codeshare agreements with United Airlines and Air Canada.

"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," said Joerg Eberhart, CEO and General Manager of ITA Airways. "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."

“We welcome ITA Airways to Houston, as it reflects our city's prominence on the global stage," said Houston Mayor John Whitmire. "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."

“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,” said Jim Szczesniak, Director of Aviation for Houston Airports. “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.”

“As a Texan and as the U.S. Ambassador to Italy, I’m thrilled by ITA’s new direct route between Houston and Rome. It strengthens the economic links that drive mutual understanding and shared prosperity.” said T.H. Tilman J. Fertitta, the US Ambassador to Italy and San Marino. “It was great working with ITA Airways CEO Joerg Eberhart, Mayor John Whitmire, and all the partners that helped make this possible.”