Houston, May 1, 2026 – ITA Airways has inaugurated its first direct flight between Houston and Rome, a historic connection that strengthens ties between Italy and Texas and meets long-standing demand from the Italian and Italian – American community living in the state.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by the Consul General of Italy in Houston, Mauro Lorenzini, who expressed strong satisfaction with the launch of the new route, emphasizing that it represents a long-awaited milestone for the Italian community in Texas and has been warmly welcomed. He also highlighted that the new service marks an important step in strengthening relations between Italy and Texas, facilitating connections with the homeland and boosting both tourism and business travel in both directions.
The Consul General also conveyed a message from the Italian Ambassador to Washington, Marco Peronaci, who warmly welcomed the activation of the direct Houston–Rome connection. The Ambassador emphasized that, for the first time, the two cities are linked without stopovers, noting that the new flight will facilitate exchanges between the two countries by making travel easier for businesspeople, students, researchers, and tourists. He also reiterated that this connection will further strengthen ties between Italy and Texas, two dynamic and increasingly interconnected regions at the international level.
In attendance at the ceremony were Jim Szczesniak, Director of Aviation at Houston Airport System; Massimo Allegri, Regional Country Manager of ITA Airways; and Jorge Franz, Vice President of Houston First Corporation.
Representatives of the Italian community were also present, including Vincenzo Arcobelli, member of the General Council of Italians Abroad (CGIE); Salvatore Saieva, President of the Comites of Houston; Brando Ballerini, President of the Italy-America Chamber of Commerce Texas and Alessia Paolicchi, Executive Director of the Italy-America Chamber of Commerce Texas.
The route will operate as a seasonal service starting May 1, 2026, with three weekly frequencies, increasing to five weekly flights between June 1 and October 24, 2026. The service will be operated with the Airbus A330-900, a next-generation aircraft that combines efficiency, digital innovation, and Made in Italy design.
The project, developed in cooperation with the Houston Airport System, confirms Houston’s role as an international hub. According to Director of Aviation Jim Szczesniak, it represents a significant milestone and will bring new opportunities and investment to the region.
Satisfaction was also expressed by the United States Ambassador to Italy, Tilman J. Fertitta, who described the new route as a key step in strengthening economic relations and promoting greater shared prosperity between the United States and Italy.
The new direct connection represents a concrete step forward in strengthening economic, cultural, and tourism ties between Italy and the United States, facilitating exchanges and creating new opportunities for cooperation between the two countries.
