Italy Joins with US, Argentina, Dominican Republic, Cuba, Singapore, Japan, Nigeria, Tanzania as ITA Airways Launches New Routes to Seventeen Destinations

In a bold aviation move, Italy joins with the US, Argentina, Dominican Republic, Cuba, Singapore, Japan, Nigeria, and Tanzania as ITA Airways launches new routes to seventeen destinations worldwide. But why now? And what’s fueling this global leap?

The skies are shifting, and ITA Airways is leading the charge. This isn’t just an expansion—it’s a signal that Italy joins the ranks of elite global connectors. With strategic routes to North and South America, Asia, and Africa, the airline is transforming Rome into a high-powered hub.

Meanwhile, countries like Singapore, Japan, and Cuba prepare to welcome new Italian links, opening doors for tourism, business, and cultural exchange. These seventeen routes are more than flights—they’re lifelines between economies and people.

So, what’s the strategy behind these sky-high ambitions? And how will this change travel for millions across continents? The answers will surprise you. Keep reading—this is global aviation in motion.

ITA Airways Launches into Long-Haul Leadership with 17 Global Routes Set to Take Off by 2026

Rome is ready to rise again on the world aviation map—and ITA Airways is taking the lead. Backed by the Italian Ministry of Economy and Lufthansa Group, ITA Airways has revealed plans to launch 17 new long-haul routes starting in 2026—a strategic pivot that could reshape air travel across Europe and far beyond.

This isn’t just route expansion. This is a full-scale reinvention of the Italian flag carrier’s identity, ditching short-haul crowding for high-yield, intercontinental operations. From North America to Asia, Africa to the Pacific, ITA’s upcoming map paints an ambitious, globally connected future.

The Strategy Behind the Surge

At the heart of this expansion is a new industrial strategy that prioritizes profitability and connectivity. As legacy routes saturate and short-haul competition tightens across Europe, ITA is focusing on markets where it can build premium partnerships, tap strong demand, and boost long-term margins.

This vision is backed by hard numbers. The airline plans to add five new widebody aircraft over five years—four Airbus A350s and one A330neo—each matched to a targeted high-performance route. These jets will form the backbone of ITA’s new global footprint.

North America: The Transatlantic Focus Widens

In North America, ITA will launch Rome–Newark (EWR) and Rome–Houston (IAH) by 2027. Both destinations are key hubs for United Airlines, a transatlantic joint venture partner under the “A++” alliance with Lufthansa and Air Canada.

This is more than just route alignment. It’s network synergy in action. The goal is seamless, two-way connectivity—business class travelers in Houston and New York will now have faster, more direct access to Rome and beyond.

These moves also expand ITA’s reach into high-spending, high-frequency corporate corridors—a must for any airline targeting long-haul profitability.

South America: Rekindling Legacy Markets

Across the southern hemisphere, ITA is doubling down on Latin America. With strong load factors on current routes, the airline plans to increase frequencies to Buenos Aires (EZE) and potentially revive direct service to Santiago de Chile (SCL)—a former Alitalia market with strong historical performance.

Strategic alignment with Aerolíneas Argentinas will boost feeder traffic and ticket sales across South America, supporting ITA’s commitment to expand beyond the traditional European sphere.

Asia-Pacific: Deepening Lufthansa Group Ties

The Asia-Pacific region is another critical pillar in ITA’s expansion. The airline has confirmed plans for a Rome–Singapore (SIN) route in 2026, strategically supported by Lufthansa’s partnership with Singapore Airlines. This route connects Italy directly to Southeast Asia’s financial heart while offering onward connections throughout the region.

Meanwhile, Osaka (KIX) is being reviewed as a complementary destination to ITA’s Tokyo Haneda (HND) service. Here, deeper ties with All Nippon Airways (ANA)—a fellow Lufthansa Group partner—will drive market entry and shared demand.

These routes reflect a clear pivot to high-growth, high-value markets—and a reliance on joint ventures to de-risk entry into Asia’s complex aviation ecosystem.

India: Doubling Down on Demand

In India, Rome–Mumbai (BOM) will debut in 2026, strengthening ITA’s foothold in a country with explosive aviation demand. The airline already serves New Delhi (DEL) and will now complement that with direct access to India’s financial capital.

With Air India joining Star Alliance and expanding globally under Tata Group, ITA is well positioned to connect Italy to India’s rapidly growing premium and VFR (visiting friends and relatives) markets.

Africa and the Middle East: Lean and Smart Expansion

Africa features prominently in ITA’s medium-haul ambitions. New flights to Lagos (LOS) and Abidjan (ABJ) are under review, using fuel-efficient Airbus A321neo aircraft ideal for intercontinental medium-haul missions.

However, not every route will survive the shake-up. Dakar (DSS) and Jeddah (JED) may be removed due to underperformance, even as Riyadh (RUH) remains a strong candidate for continued growth.

These decisions reflect data-driven optimization, not just geographic coverage. Every new city must earn its place on the map through yield potential, partner support, and long-term viability.

Leisure Destinations: Seasonal Demand, Strategic Timing

To capitalize on Italy’s outbound winter travel surge, ITA is exploring new counter-seasonal leisure markets like Zanzibar (ZNZ), Havana (HAV), and Santo Domingo (SDQ). These routes would support tourism demand while helping ITA monetize traditionally low-traffic months.

Holiday packages and group travel agreements will likely anchor these operations, with a flexible fleet strategy ensuring seasonal responsiveness.

Eastbound Ambitions: China, Russia, and Legacy Reboots

If geopolitical winds allow, ITA is ready to re-enter Russian and Chinese airspace. Routes to Moscow (SVO), Beijing (PEK), Shanghai (PVG), and Hong Kong (HKG) are all on standby, contingent on regulatory and diplomatic shifts.

In the Middle East, Tehran (IKA), Beirut (BEY), and Amman (AMM)—once strong Alitalia markets—may also return under the right conditions. This signals a pragmatic readiness to re-engage profitable legacy corridors when timing aligns.

Lufthansa Group Integration: The Engine Behind the Expansion

ITA’s strategic integration into the Lufthansa Group is the silent force powering this transformation. With Lufthansa holding a 41% stake, ITA gains access to a massive global route network, cross-alliance partnerships, and pricing synergy.

This alliance brings access to premium hubs, interlining opportunities, and shared loyalty platforms, dramatically increasing ITA’s competitiveness on global routes.

Every route on the list—every aircraft in the air—reflects Lufthansa’s calculated strategy to build Rome into a central European gateway, not just for Italy, but for the group as a whole.

Final Approach: A Global Vision with Local Roots

By 2026, ITA Airways won’t just be Italy’s flag carrier—it will be a strategic global connector, backed by Europe’s aviation elite and driven by modern, profit-first strategy.

From Rome to Mumbai, Singapore to Houston, Lagos to Santiago, ITA is building a world-class network with precision, intent, and emotional resonance. It’s a bold leap—grounded in data, fuelled by partnerships, and inspired by a clear mission to make Italy fly higher on the world stage.