Houston to Rome Nonstop: ITA Airways Launches Historic Direct Flights from IAH in 2026

Published on December 4, 2025

For decades, Texans dreaming of tossing a coin into the Trevi Fountain or standing in the shadow of the Colosseum have had to endure the inevitable layover shuffle. Whether it was connecting through New York, London, or Frankfurt, the journey to Rome always required a pit stop. But come 2026, that travel hurdle is officially a thing of the past.

In a landmark announcement that is shaking up the trans-Atlantic travel scene, ITA Airways has confirmed it will launch the first-ever nonstop service between Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO).

Starting May 1, 2026, travelers can trade the humidity of the Bayou City for the historic breezes of the Mediterranean without changing planes. This new route is not just a win for vacationers; it represents a massive strengthening of ties between the “Energy Capital of the World” and one of Europe’s most culturally significant capitals.

The Schedule: When Can You Fly?

The new service is timed perfectly for the summer travel rush, operating on a seasonal basis to capture the peak demand for European vacations.

• Launch Date: May 1, 2026
• Initial Frequency: Three times weekly (Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays)
• Peak Frequency: Starting June 1, 2026, service ramps up to five times weekly (adding Mondays and Saturdays)
• Season End: The seasonal route is scheduled to run through October 24, 2026.

This aggressive schedule—jumping from three to five flights a week almost immediately—signals ITA Airways’ confidence in the Texas market. It also provides ample flexibility for travelers, whether they are planning a quick week-long Roman holiday or a month-long Italian odyssey.

Onboard the Experience: Italian Style at 30,000 Feet

The flight will be operated by ITA Airways’ flagship long-haul aircraft, the Airbus A330-900neo. For aviation geeks and comfort seekers alike, this is great news. The “neo” (New Engine Option) is quieter and more fuel-efficient than its predecessors, but the real draw is the interior.

ITA Airways, the successor to the legendary Alitalia, has leaned heavily into its Italian heritage to differentiate itself in the crowded skies. The cabin is designed by Walter De Silva, a famous car designer, featuring blue ambient lighting and materials that evoke the feeling of a luxury Italian sports car.

Passengers can expect:

• Business Class: Lie-flat seats with direct aisle access, ensuring you arrive in Rome rested and ready for espresso.
• Premium Economy: More legroom and upgraded service for those who want a middle ground between luxury and value.
• Economy: Modern seats with personal entertainment screens loaded with Italian cinema and international hits.
• Dining: This is an Italian carrier, so the food is a priority. Expect menus curated by Michelin-starred Italian chefs, featuring pasta, regional cheeses, and, of course, a selection of Italian wines and aperitifs like Aperol Spritzes served cruising at altitude.

Why This Route Matters Now

While a direct flight to Rome is exciting enough on its own, the timing of this launch is strategic.

The 2026 World Cup Connection Houston is a host city for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. As the world turns its eyes to Texas for the matches in June and July, international connectivity is more critical than ever. This route opens a direct pipeline for European fans to reach Houston, and conversely, allows Houstonians to escape to Europe once the soccer frenzy calms down. Mayor John Whitmire highlighted this synergy, noting that the new connection proves Houston has been “discovered” as a premier international gateway.

Strengthening Business Ties It’s not just about gelato and gladiators. Houston and Rome share significant economic interests. Both cities are major hubs for energy, healthcare, and aerospace technology. The direct link allows executives to hop between meetings in the Texas Medical Center and conferences in Rome without losing a full day to travel logistics.

The “ITA” Renaissance ITA Airways is a relatively young carrier, born from the ashes of Alitalia in 2020. Since then, they have been aggressively expanding their North American footprint. Houston joins a prestigious list of U.S. gateways including New York, Boston, Miami, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. By joining the Star Alliance (pending final integration steps with Lufthansa Group), ITA is positioning itself as a major player for U.S. travelers loyal to United Airlines, which dominates the IAH hub.

What to Do in Rome (and Beyond)

With a direct flight, your Italian itinerary opens up significantly. Landing at Fiumicino puts you a mere 30-minute express train ride from Roma Termini, the heart of the city.

• The Classics: Obviously, you’ll visit the Vatican, the Colosseum, and the Pantheon. But with the time saved on layovers, you might actually have the energy to enjoy them on day one.
• The Food Scene: Head to the Testaccio neighborhood for authentic cacio e pepe or grab a slice of pizza al taglio from a street vendor.
• Gateway to Italy: Rome is the perfect jumping-off point. A high-speed Frecciarossa train can get you to Florence in 1.5 hours, Naples in 1 hour, or Venice in under 4 hours. You could wake up in Houston and be sipping Limoncello on the Amalfi Coast by the following evening.

Final Thoughts: A New Chapter for IAH

For Houstonians, this announcement is a long time coming. The city has always been a powerhouse for flights to Latin America and has robust connections to major European hubs like London and Frankfurt. But Rome has always been the missing piece of the puzzle.

As 2026 approaches, the addition of ITA Airways signifies more than just a new line on a departure board. It’s an invitation to explore, to do business, and to connect with one of the world’s most beautiful cultures with unprecedented ease. So, get your passport ready—the Dolce Vita is coming to Texas.