The new direct link Roma-Houston marks a turning point in the relations between Italy and North America, with economic, industrial and cultural relapses. A historical request from the Italian community in Houston, also supported politically, finally becomes reality.
Christian Di Sanzo, MP of the Democratic Party elected in North and Central America, had already placed the issue in October 2024 with a question to the Ministry of Transport, urging a concrete commitment of ITA Airways – also in view of the passage to Lufthansa – to strengthen direct links between Italy and North America asking for particular attention to the Roma-Houston route. A request on which it continued to maintain high attention over the last few months.
Today, that drive results in a concrete result: ITA Airways has announced the new direct intercontinental flight between Rome Fiumicino and the Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport, the first in history between the two cities.
“A great news for the whole Italian community in Houston!”. Di Sanzo commented that he thanked “the work of ITA, but above all the Ambassador of the United States to Rome Tilman Fertitta, Houstonian who immediately worked to make this flight become reality! ”.
Houston, the fourth most populous city in the United States and global hub for energy and aerospace, is a major strategic market. The lack of a direct link with Rome had so far represented a significant limit, both for tourist traffic and for business, forcing to intermediate steps.
The new route responds to the growing demand for mobility between Italy and the United States and strengthens the position of ITA Airways on the North American market, the most relevant after the domestic one. The link is part of the company’s strategy to focus on the long range as a leverage for growth and sustainability.
To celebrate the opening of the flight were organized two inaugural ceremonies, in Rome Fiumicino and in Houston, in the presence of institutions, airport authorities and management of the company, confirming the strategic value of the initiative.
Joerg Eberhart, CEO and CEO of ITA Airways, said that “Houston is a very important innovation for our company that sees further growth on the long-range network, on which we want to base our future development. It is a dynamic city that unites its role as global capital of the energy sector to a vibrant artistic and cultural scene growing. The new flight expands Italy’s access opportunities for Houston residents and the entire Gulf area of Mexico, offering a direct connection to Rome and further connections to numerous destinations in Italy and Europe. We are proud to inaugurate this new connection, which will allow our passengers to live an authentic Italian experience since boarding in Houston.”.
For Sandro Pappalardo, President of ITA Airways “This route represents for us much more than a new link. It is a bridge that draws people, stories and cultures and reaffirms our role as ambassadors of Made in Italy in the world.”.
The Ambassador of the United States in Italy Tilman J. Fertitta said that the opening of the route “It is a great day for the inhabitants of Houston. This connection strengthens economic ties and fosters shared prosperity.”.
Satisfaction also by the airport and local authorities, which emphasize how the new route represents a concrete opportunity to strengthen economic exchanges, tourism and investments between two areas already strongly interconnected.
The flights are operated with Airbus A330-900 of last generation and preview initially three weekly frequencies, which will become five from June 2026. With this route, Houston becomes the ninth North American destination of ITA Airways.
The company thus confirms its international expansion strategy, focusing on the long range and the role of ambassador of Made in Italy in the world, not only in connections but also in the travel experience, increasingly oriented to value Italian culture, style and gastronomy.
L’articolo Roma–Houston, debuts the first direct flight from IlNewyorkese.
