Air China will operate four weekly flights between Beijing and Venice with Airbus A330-220s.  

Flights will operate from 2 July 

The new route, as announced in April, will launch on 2 July, with a 267-seat Airbus A330-220, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. The first flight will land at Marco Polo Airport at 19:15 and depart for Beijing the same evening at 21:30. “Against the backdrop of ever-increasing global connectivity and to mark the 40th anniversary of Air China’s connections with Italy, the new direct Beijing-Venice flight is a significant milestone for aviation cooperation between the two countries, and will contribute not only to further strengthening collaboration in the civil aviation sector, but also to significantly expanding Air China’s network in Italy,” said Li Duo, general manager of Air China Milan.

Air China flies to Milan, Rome and Venice

“Air China is officially extending its presence in Italy to three strategic hubs: Milan, Rome and Venice, making Italy one of the European countries with the highest number of cities served by the airline. Air China will continue to seize this opportunity to optimize its network of international connections and constantly improve the quality of its services, consolidating its role as an air bridge for economic, tourist and cultural exchanges between China and Italy,” continued Li Duo.

Venice Airport

Venice, Verona and the Dolomites are popular

The new route will serve and stimulate all traffic segments: business and cargo, with the North-East accounting for 13% of trade flows between China and Italy, generating an annual turnover of around €10 billion, second only to that of the Milan area (Istat 2025 data). Leisure tourism finds in the North-East one of the main areas in terms of the number of tourists arriving from China, and it is high-quality tourism, with over 70% of visitors choosing luxury accommodation, attracted in particular by the art cities, led by Venice and Verona, and by the Dolomites. With around 70,000 residents the Chinese community in the North-East is the second largest in Italy after Lombardy. Visits and family reunions will be supported and facilitated by the new flight, with passenger flows from China coming in particular from Beijing, Wenzhou (in Zhejiang province) and Xiamen (in Fujian province).

Strong passenger and cargo flows to and from Venice

“The new flight between Venice and Beijing scales up Marco Polo’s role as a key hub for traffic between our region, China and the Far East, helping to intensify the economic and cultural exchanges that have always been at the heart of our group’s mission,- said Enrico Marchi, chairman of the Save Group. -Together with Air China, we have carried out extensive preparatory work that has led to the achievement of this objective, for which, as was the case with the first flight operated from our airport to China, the support of the Italian Government and the Chinese authorities was crucial.” For the Save Group, which manages Italy’s third intercontinental airport, this new milestone marks the culmination of a journey driven by substantial flows of passengers and cargo between Venice, Beijing, China and the Far East.

Sardinia shone in the ItaliAbsolutely Village at the Las Vegas Travel Agent’s Forum for the second consecutive year, just ahead of the America's Cup. 

Meetings with US travel professionals

Confirming its status as one of Italy’s most appealing destinations for the U.S. travel trade the Sardinia Region and a group of Sardinian tourism operators, attended the event to meet hundreds of buyers and travel professionals in one of the industry’s leading showcases to promotes the very best of Italian tourism.

"Enhancing the island’s international positioning and global perception”

“Sardinia returns to Las Vegas once again as a protagonist, with the goal of presenting the American market with a destination that is authentic, sophisticated and still wonderfully undiscovered,” said Raimondo Mandis, spokesperson for Sardinia’s Regional Tourism Councillor Franco Cuccureddu. “Being present at the ItaliAbsolutely Village for the second consecutive year allows us to scale up important relationships with the U.S. travel trade while further enhancing the island’s international positioning and global perception.”

Major developments are shaping Sardinia

The Forum also provided the perfect platform to unveil some of the major developments shaping Sardinia’s 2026 tourism outlook. “We have three powerful elements that are transforming the way Sardinia is perceived internationally,- Mandis continued. -First is the new Delta Air Lines direct flight between New York and Olbia, launching tomorrow, May 20, with four weekly frequencies throughout the season. Then there is the recognition of the Domus de Janas as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for 2025, together with Sardinia’s inclusion by Lonely Planet among Europe’s Best in Travel Regions for 2026.”

The America's Cup in Cagliari this month 

This year will also mark a major moment for international events on the island, beginning with the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup Preliminary Regatta, which will place Cagliari at the center of the global sailing world from May 21–24, 2026. “The America’s Cup is far more than just a major sporting event,- Mandis added. -For four days the city will become the international capital of sailing, welcoming world-class teams, media, industry professionals and visitors from across the globe.” The official opening ceremony is scheduled this Thursday in the spectacular setting of Bastione Saint Remy, with the participation of regional and national institutions, followed by the inauguration of the Race Village at the Port of Cagliari.

 

 

 

 

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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.”