By Okon Ekpenyong

ITA (Italian Airways) has announced direct flight from Houston, Texas to Rome, Italy.

The announcement was made at a joint news conference that featured city and business leaders, including Houston Mayor John Whitmire.

It will add a new nonstop route from Rome, Italy, to Houston, Texas, starting on May 1, 2026, from George Bush Intercontinental Airport. 

• From May 1 to May 31, 2026, service will operate between Houston and Rome on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Then, from June 1 to October 24, flights will be available on Mondays, Wednesdays, and all weekends.
• From May 1 to May 31, 2026, service will operate between Rome and Houston on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Then, from June 1 to October 24, flights will be available on Mondays, Wednesdays, and all weekends.
• Houston will now become ITA’s ninth North American destination.
• Houston was among the cities competing to land the new direct flight deal from IAH to Rome. 
• The fourth-largest city in the United States has two airports: IAH and William P. Hobby. However, IAH ranks 15th among major airport hubs.

“This new route strengthens our business, cultural, and diplomatic ties with Italy and comes at the perfect time as Houston prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup,” Mayor Whitmire says. Among those present for the announcement was Houston billionaire and United States Ambassador to Italy, Tilman Fertitta. Joerg Eberhart, the CEO and GM of ITA Airways, attended via Zoom.

Tillman emphasizes that this is more than just another route on the map; it is a significant bridge connecting two remarkable cities that share much in common. The ambassador also notes that Houston stands as one of America’s most dynamic and economically powerful cities, consistently attracting global visitors due to its thriving oil industry and internationally renowned medical center. And now, with this announcement, it will help increase tourism not just to Houston but also to Italy. 

Houston Airport Director of Aviation Jim Szczesniak highlights that the new connection fosters cultural ties between Houston and Italy while also benefiting business. Italy invests about $10 billion annually, and over 40 Houston-based subsidiaries operate in Rome. Furthermore, direct flights will help Italian companies with headquarters in Houston, such as ENI, Italy’s largest oil and gas company, which has its North American headquarters there.”

Mayor Whitemire concludes that, in addition to the ways this deal will benefit business prospects in both Houston and Rome, Italian-Americans living in Houston will also help. This new deal will make it easier for them to travel back and forth to visit their loved ones. According to the World Population Review, approximately 1.77% of Texas residents are of Italian descent. 

With ITA expanding its destinations and codeshare agreements with United Airlines and Air Canada, travelers can more easily book connecting flights to Rome from various cities in the USA. The addition of Houston as a destination means that passengers from Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, New Orleans, and beyond can conveniently connect through IAH to travel to Italy. This creates better options and potentially cheaper fares for passengers, benefiting both the airlines and travelers.

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