The new ITA Airways route from Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport to Rome Fiumicino was launched on 2 May. 

Five weekly flights from June 1

Marking the first-ever direct connection between the two cities, the inaugural flights from Houston which is the airline’s ninth North American destination, following New York, Boston, Miami, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Washington D.C., Chicago and Toronto, were operated using an Airbus A330-900. The schedule initially provides for three weekly flights, rising to five from 1 June 2026, and offers convenient connections to numerous Italian destinations thanks to the airline’s extensive domestic network from Rome and Milan Linate.

Linking Houston to Rome, Italy and Europe 

“Houston is a hugely significant development for ITA Airways, marking further growth in our long-haul network, upon which we intend to base our future development. It is a dynamic city that combines its role as a global capital of the energy sector with a vibrant and rapidly growing arts and culture scene. The new flight expands access to Italy for residents of Houston and the entire Gulf of Mexico region, offering a direct connection to Rome and further links to numerous destinations in Italy and Europe,” said Joerg Eberhart, CEO and general manager of ITA Airways.

The new route is a bridge that brings cultures closer

“For us, this route is much more than a new connection- added Sandro Pappalardo, the airline’s chairman. -It is a bridge that brings people, stories and cultures closer together and reaffirms our role as ambassadors of Made in Italy around the world, as well as our commitment to becoming the go-to carrier both for travellers to Italy and for those wishing to reach intercontinental destinations. At the same time, it allows the many Italian-Americans in Texas to reconnect with their roots, offering them a direct flight that takes them back to their loved ones, creating new opportunities for meaningful encounters and relationships that make every journey unforgettable."

Solid demand in both the business and leisure sector

“It is a great day for the people of Houston. As a Texan and as the US Ambassador to Italy, I am thrilled about the new direct ITA Airways connection between Houston and Rome,- said Tilman J. Fertitta, US ambassador to Italy and San Marino. -This connection strengthens the economic ties that foster mutual understanding and shared prosperity, and I am grateful to ITA Airways' CEO Joerg Eberhart, Mayor John Whitmire and all the partners who have helped make this possible.” “This is a strategic route for the expansion of Rome airport’s intercontinental network and is the first direct flight between Italy and one of the most dynamic cities in the United States, a key hub in the economic, energy, industrial and technological sectors, with solid demand in both the business and leisure sector," said Marco Troncone, CEO Aeroporti di Roma.

"Lufthansa will exercise its option to acquire a majority stake in ITA Airways in June this year, increasing its holding from 41% to 90%" reads an official airline statement. 

Carsten Spohr: "Faster than expected"

The move was commented by Carsten Spohr, CEO of the Lufthansa Group and chairman of the executive board of Deutsche Lufthansa, as "Faster than expected." The acquisition of the additional 49% stake will take place at the previously agreed price of €325 million, continued the airline's note. The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals, primarily from the European Commission and the US Department of Justice (DOJ) and is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2027. Following this, ITA Airways will be fully integrated into the Lufthansa Group, both organizationally and financially.

ITA Airways will continue to operate under its own brand

ITA is thus preparing to enter a new phase of growth within the Lufthansa Group, strengthening its position in the European and international air transport market. ITA Airways will continue to operate under its own brand, which will be retained and promoted within the group’s structure. “The ‘ITA Airways’ brand today represents a young, distinctive and recognizable identity, strongly linked to Italy and to the values of quality, innovation, reliability and customer care that characterize the company,” said Joerg Eberhart, ITA Airways' CEO and general manager.

Industrial synergies

Increasing integration will enable the carrier to develop further industrial and commercial synergies with the group’s carriers, whilst preserving its Italian identity. “This new phase represents a step of great industrial and strategic significance for Ita Airways. In recent years, we have built a solid, recognizable and quality-oriented company, thanks to the contribution of our people and the trust of our customers, and Deutsche Lufthansa’s decision is proof of the good work done so far,- said Joerg Eberhart, CEO and General Manager of ITA Airways. -We look to the future with ambition and responsibility: full integration into the Lufthansa Group will allow us to compete more effectively on international markets, whilst continuing to showcase Italy’s value, its connectivity and its capacity for innovation to the world." 

Passenger and cargo integration

“Following the acquisition of our initial 41% stake in ITA Airways last year, we promised the fastest integration of an airline in our history. Our goal was to complete all the main stages of integration into the Lufthansa Group in just 18 months. Not only have we kept this promise, but we have also been faster: all customer-facing interfaces are already integrated today, with the exception of flights across the North Atlantic, where, as is well known, regulatory approval of our merger is still pending.” Integration is also progressing in the cargo sector: “Since last year, Lufthansa Cargo has been marketing Ita Airways’ cargo capacity, which alone corresponds to the additional capacity of three Boeing 777 cargo aircraft. In light of this success, we decided to exercise our option as early as June this year.”

United Airlines makes its debut in Bari, operating the new route from Newark/New York with four weekly flights.

The only direct flight between the United States and Bari

This is the only direct connection between the United States and Bari, bringing the carrier’s total number of direct flights per day from the US to Italy to 15 (during the peak summer season). The new seasonal service from Puglia joins those already in operation, which include year-round daily connections between Rome, Newark/New York and Washington D.C. and between Milan and Newark/New York, alongside seasonal flights between Rome and Chicago O’Hare, Denver and San Francisco, between Milan and Chicago O’Hare, between Naples, Venice and Palermo and Newark/New York, and between Venice and Washington D.C.

"Geared towards a more discerning form of tourism"

“The arrival of the first flight from New York is an important sign of the growth of the city of Bari, which is increasingly establishing itself, even overseas, as an attractive, modern and welcoming tourist destination. The introduction of this route fits perfectly with our strategy, which is geared towards a more discerning form of tourism, interested in gaining a deeper understanding of our traditions and cultural heritage. Suffice it to say that, in the first few months of 2026, even in the absence of a direct flight, 2.7% of travellers staying overnight in Bari already came from the United States," said Vito Leccese, Mayor of Bari.

"Boosting Puglia’s role as a bridge between cultures"

“The launch of the Bari-Newark a key milestone for us, further strengthening Puglia’s opening up to international markets,- said Antonio Maria Vasile, president of Aeroporti di Puglia. “We welcome this route not only for its strategic value, but also for the opportunities it offers. We have worked closely with the Italian communities living in New York to promote a "return to our roots" for our community. The four weekly flights will enable a growing number of American travellers to reach our region which has become a widely recognized brand worldwide, synonymous with beauty, authenticity and hospitality. At the same time, this flight is an important opportunity for the people of Puglia and passengers from neighbouring regions, to travel to New York. Our shared goal is to offer our regions an ever-expanding network of opportunities, strengthening Puglia’s role as a bridge between cultures and as a region capable of welcoming a growing number of international visitors each year.”

"Puglia is famous for its beautiful hilltop villages and turquoise beaches"

“Our customers in Bari and Puglia will benefit from a convenient direct service between Bari and our Newark/New York hub, as well as the ability to easily reach more than 55 destinations in the Americas, whilst US travellers will be able to fly directly to Puglia, famous for its beautiful hilltop villages and turquoise beaches,” added Thorsten Lettnin, director of sales, continental Europe, Middle East, Africa, Israel and India, United Airlines. In summer 2026, United will be the only US airline operating direct flights to four new destinations from its Newark/New York hub: Bari, in Italy; Split, in Croatia; Glasgow, in Scotland; and Santiago de Compostela, in Spain. The airline is also adding its first service between Washington D.C. and Reykjavik, Iceland, as well as a new year-round daily direct service from Newark/New York to Seoul, South Korea.

Condor has made its debut at Venice Marco Polo Airport with the launch of flights from Frankfurt.

Year-round to Milan Malpensa and Rome Fiumicino 

This new addition to its strategy of consolidating its Italian network, aims to offer extensive coverage and regular service. In addition to the new route, the airline operates year-round flights to Milan Malpensa, whilst connections to Rome Fiumicino have resumed with the summer schedule. In practice, during the summer the carrier operates up to nine daily flights between Frankfurt and the three Italian cities.

"More options to reach major destinations around the world”

“We are continuing to expand our presence in Italy, a market that plays a key role in our growth plans. With the introduction of flights from Venice, we are offering travellers even more options to reach major destinations around the world,” said David Carlisle, Vice President of Network Planning & Partnerships at Condor. “Our aim is to make long-haul travel more comfortable and enjoyable, combining efficient connections via Frankfurt with the high-quality flying experience offered by Condor.” Conversely, Venice remains a top choice for North American travellers, who now have an additional option for reaching the lagoon city.

Frankfurt's Terminal 3 is reserved for Condor operations

It is worth noting that “from April 2027, connections via our Frankfurt hub will be even simpler, as Terminal 3 will be reserved for Condor operations, an additional benefit to our product,” explains Lorna Dalziel, the German airline’s country manager for Italy. “Condor’s three daily flights from Venice represent a significant step forward in developing connectivity for our airport and the entire region. Connections to the airline’s Frankfurt hub guarantee direct access to European and intercontinental markets, including North America, the Caribbean and Asia, resulting in a further strengthening of tourist and business flows with Germany and the world,” said Camillo Bozzolo, aviation development director of the Save Group.

Long-haul flights are operated by Airbus A330neos

All long-haul flights are operated by Airbus A330neo aircraft, designed to offer outstanding comfort across three travel classes. Business Class stands out for its exclusive front-row Prime Seats, featuring fully reclining beds and 24-inch 4K monitors, whilst Premium Economy offers approximately 15 cm of extra legroom.

ITA Airways is strengthening its partnership with Aneri and is serving its Prosecco in Business Class. 

In Business Class and in the lounge VIP rooms

From April 2026, Business Class passengers on all the Italian airline’s flights will be served Aneri Prosecco, a sparkling wine with a harmonious, dry and perfectly savoury taste. This is a further step in consolidating the partnership between the airline and the Veronese winery, signed in December 2025 with the shared aim of transforming travel into a memorable taste experience. Aneri’s wines have in fact been available since December in the two VIP Rooms of the lounges at Rome Fiumicino Airport, the Hangar Lounge and Piazza di Spagna, to enhance the lounge experience with an exclusive yet simple and authentic touch. 

"Aneri’s products: a symbol of Italian excellence"

“It is a source of great pride for me to be able to offer our Business Class passengers Aneri’s products, a symbol of Italian excellence of the highest calibre in the wine sector,- said Joerg Eberhart, CEO and general manager of the airline. -Aneri embodies values such as passion, authenticity, sustainability and a focus on tradition and the local area, principles that ITA Airways wishes to promote on board its flights and in its lounges."

ITA: an ambassador of excellence around the world

“This collaboration with ITA Airways, a global ambassador for Italian excellence, represents a milestone of great value for Aneri,” said Giancarlo Aneri, CEO of Cantina Aneri. Through its partnership with Aneri, ITA Airways reaffirms its commitment to offering not just travel services, but experiences that can move, inspire and create a lasting bond with the customer, in the spirit of the values of hospitality, style and culture that distinguish Italy worldwide. Furthermore, this collaboration fully embodies ITA Airways’ mission to act as an ambassador for Italian excellence around the world.

The Dominican Republic makes its debut in the ITA Airways network, which will connect it with Rome Fiumicino during the 2026–27 winter season.

First weekly then biweekly flights

The new flight already on sale through all the carrier’s distribution channels,  will debut on 30 November 2026 with a weekly service on Mondays, and will add a second weekly service on Sundays from 14 December until the end of March 2027. Airbus A330neo aircraft configured with three travel classes - Business, Premium Economy and Economy - will be deployed on the route.

A first step into Central America 

This marks the airline’s first venture into Central America, having already operated direct flights to the United States, Canada, Brazil and Argentina – destinations that have long been favoured by Italian holidaymakers travelling abroad and regions with the highest proportion of people of Italian origin for inbound tourism. At the same time, ITA continues to expand its intercontinental network, following the increase in frequencies on routes to India and Thailand for the month of August.

Limosani: "Further intercontinental development" 

“With the Dominican Republic, we are strengthening our presence in the Americas and enhancing our offering to and from Rome Fiumicino with a new, highly attractive destination,- said Emiliana Limosani, chief commercial, network & incentive management officer, ITA Airways. -We are confident that these flights will also be of great interest to our commercial partners, who can count on a high-quality product. This new route also forms part of the development of our intercontinental network, one of the pillars of the company’s commercial strategy.”

Lake Trasimeno, in Umbria, will be easier to visit during the 2026 summer season thanks to the enhanced boat services operated by Busitalia.

59 weekday return journeys

From April until 4 July, and then from 31 August to 27 September 2026, the FS Group company is increasing its service to 59 return journeys on weekdays, rising to 93 on public holidays. During the peak season, from 5 July to 30 August 2026, the service will be further intensified, to 98 daily connections. The connections provide access to the lake’s main routes, with dedicated services to Isola Maggiore and Isola Polvese, accessible from the towns of Passignano sul Trasimeno, Tuoro Navaccia, Castiglione del Lago and San Feliciano.

Greater frequency and flexibility

During the spring and late summer (4 April – 4 July / 31 August – 27 September), the service is organized with variations depending on the route and operating days. During the summer (5 July – 30 August 2026), the service is further enhanced, increasing the number of daily return journeys to 98 and extending the service to all days on the main routes from Passignano, Tuoro, Castiglione del Lago and San Feliciano to Isola Maggiore and Isola Polvese, thus ensuring greater frequency and flexibility for travel.

Enhancing ferry services on Lake Trasimeno

Busitalia is reinforcing its commitment to enhancing ferry services on Lake Trasimeno, consolidating an increasingly efficient service that meets the region’s transport needs. Connections to Isola Maggiore and Isola Polvese remain a key element in improving accessibility to and promoting the lake, helping to boost its appeal to tourists and the enjoyment of its natural heritage.  Lake Trasimeno is situated in the north-western part of the province of Perugia, almost on the border with Tuscany. It is the fourth largest lake in Italy and the largest in central Italy, surrounded by hills and historic villages such as Castiglione del Lago, Passignano sul Trasimeno and Tuoro.

Each year Tripadvisor releases its “Best of the Best Beaches.” A global roll call of sun, sand, and superlatives and, as ever, Italy makes the cut, This time twice, and yet not quite at the top.

Sardinia’s La Pelosa Beach comes in at number 8 for its pale sand and water so clear and shallow it allows families to wade far from the shore. The Spiaggia dei Conigli in Lampedusa at number 18, feels even closer to myth. With white sand, water in surreal shades of blue, and a hush that invites stillness, it is, by any reasonable measure, extraordinary. And yet: eighteenth.

Spiaggia dei Conigli - Lampedusa

Two beaches in the top 20 should be a triumph, and of course it is. Still, for a country that has made an art form of beauty, there’s a faint note of regret. Eighth? Eighteenth? Really? Because how do you measure the way light settles on Sardinian water at dusk, or the quiet of Lampedusa in the early morning? 

Rankings, for all their authority, don't always hit the mark and anyway Italy, one suspects, isn’t overly concerned, as it has never needed lists to define it. Still - eighth and eighteenth. The popular vote can, obviously, have its off days. 

Pamela McCourt Francescone
Executive Editor