ITA Airways has inaugurated its first-ever direct service between Rome Fiumicino Airport and George Bush Intercontinental Airport, closing a longstanding gap in transatlantic connectivity.
The new route strengthens ties between two major global hubs—Rome and Houston—supporting business, tourism, and cultural exchange, particularly given Houston’s role as a leading energy and aerospace centre. It also expands ITA’s North American network to nine destinations.
Flights are initially operating three times weekly, increasing to five from June 2026, using the Airbus A330-900. The service provides onward connections across Italy and Europe via Rome, reinforcing the airline’s hub strategy.
The launch is seen as strategically significant for both markets, enhancing economic links and offering direct access for travellers, including strong Italian-American communities in Texas. It also supports broader growth plans, with ITA positioning long-haul expansion as central to its future development.