Italy’s ITA Airways is set to touch down in Texas next summer, marking an exciting expansion for travelers connecting between the U.S. and Italy.
The airline will establish a direct link between its Rome Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport (FCO) hub and Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), with seasonal service kicking off on May 1, 2026, as announced on Tuesday.
Initially, ITA will operate three flights a week — on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays — throughout May. Then, starting June 1, service will ramp up to five days per week, with flights on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays until October 24. The route will be served by the Airbus A330-900, ensuring a comfortable travel experience for passengers.
“This is our ninth North American destination and will further enrich the airline’s intercontinental network,” said Joerg Eberhart, ITA’s CEO. “With this new route, we solidify our expansion in the U.S. market, which is our most vital international market.”
In addition to Houston, ITA currently connects travelers to eight other U.S. cities, including Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Miami International Airport (MIA), New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), San Francisco International Airport (SFO), and Washington, D.C.’s Dulles International Airport (IAD). ITA also serves Canada via Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ).
This route marks a significant move for ITA as it integrates more deeply with the Lufthansa Group and Star Alliance. Earlier this year, the group acquired a 41% stake in the airline, with plans to secure full control by 2027. This partnership will realign ITA’s schedule and loyalty program in accordance with Lufthansa’s framework, opening doors to even more international opportunities.
Moreover, ITA’s new FCO-IAH route connects seamlessly with United Airlines’ major hub in Houston, further enhancing access to Latin America for travelers.
In an interview last October, Eberhart highlighted IAH and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), also a United hub, as potential future expansion points in the U.S.
As ITA transitions towards joining the Star Alliance, expected to occur next year, the airline has also developed a loyalty partnership with United, initiated in September. By February, ITA plans to integrate its Volare loyalty program with Lufthansa’s Miles & More program, providing travelers with a broader rewards base.
Notably, ITA will become the first airline to offer nonstop flights on the FCO-IAH route, adding to an enriching travel experience for passengers seeking a direct connection between these vibrant destinations.
