Alaska Airlines Joins Delta, United, American, Air Canada, and More Unveil Game-Changing New Routes to Italy in 2026—Here’s What You Need to Know!

As 2026 approaches, a series of exciting developments in air travel between Italy and the rest of the world are set to reshape the aviation landscape. Major airlines have expanded their Italian networks, introducing new direct connections and increasing frequencies on high-demand routes. From North America to Europe, and even Asia, travelers will now have greater options to reach Italian cities, including the first-ever direct flights to Sardinia and Apulia, regions that were previously more challenging to access. Below are the highlights of the new routes and service upgrades coming in 2026.

North American Transatlantic Routes: Increased Accessibility to Italy

Several North American carriers have announced new seasonal services and year-round connections between the United States, Canada, and Italy, making travel between the two regions more accessible and convenient.

Seattle to Rome: New Seasonal Routes

Both Alaska Airlines and Delta Air Lines have confirmed new seasonal services connecting Seattle (SEA) to Rome (FCO) in 2026. Alaska Airlines will begin its service on April 28, while Delta will follow with its own flights starting on May 7. These routes will offer a new gateway for travelers on the West Coast to access Italy, opening up more options for tourism and business connections.

First-Ever Nonstop US-Sardinia Connection

One of the most exciting developments is the launch of the first-ever nonstop flight between New York (JFK) and Olbia (Sardinia) by Delta Air Lines on May 20, 2026. This new seasonal route will provide direct access to the picturesque island of Sardinia, renowned for its stunning beaches, clear waters, and rich culture. For many travelers, this marks an unprecedented opportunity to explore a lesser-known but equally captivating part of Italy.

Newark to Bari: A Groundbreaking Link to Apulia

Another key route launch is United Airlines’ introduction of direct flights between Newark (EWR) and Bari (Apulia), beginning May 1, 2026. This marks the first nonstop connection between the United States and the Apulia region, a hub of Italian history and culture. United Airlines will operate this route four times a week, providing a direct link to southern Italy’s charming cities and coastline.

Expansion of Service from Houston to Rome

ITA Airways will expand its North American operations by launching a new route between Houston (IAH) and Rome (FCO) on May 1, 2026. This service marks the airline’s ninth North American gateway, further enhancing its transatlantic reach. The new flight will be operated several times a week, allowing travelers from Texas and beyond to easily access Italy’s capital and major cultural landmarks.

Miami to Milan: Daily Year-Round Service

American Airlines is further bolstering its operations in Italy with the launch of daily Miami (MIA) to Milan (MXP) flights, beginning on March 29, 2026. This year-round service will offer consistent access to Italy’s business and fashion capital, catering to both leisure travelers and professionals heading to Milan for events and conferences.

Air Canada’s New Seasonal Route to Sicily

In addition to North American routes to mainland Italy, Air Canada will introduce a new seasonal route from Montreal (YUL) to Catania (Sicily) starting on June 4, 2026. With three flights per week, this service will cater to travelers looking to explore Sicily’s rich history and natural beauty.

JetBlue Adds Seasonal Flights to Milan

From Boston (BOS), JetBlue will begin offering seasonal daily flights to Milan (MXP) starting May 11, 2026. This addition reflects JetBlue’s ongoing expansion into the European market and will provide travelers with a convenient, low-cost option for flying into one of Italy’s most famous cities.

European and Regional Routes: More Direct Links to Italian Destinations

Several European airlines are also capitalizing on the increased demand for direct connections to Italy, particularly for travelers looking to visit smaller cities and regions.

New Routes to Apulia and Sicily

In Bristol, Ryanair and EasyJet will both launch new services to Bari starting in Spring 2026. These new connections will enhance accessibility to Italy’s Apulia region, known for its unique architecture, historical sites, and beautiful coastline. Meanwhile, Jet2 will start flying from Newcastle (UK) to Palermo (May 26) and Rome (March 30), offering travelers more options for exploring Sicily and the Italian capital.

Finnair’s New Seasonal Services

Finnair will introduce new seasonal services to Florence and Catania in 2026. Starting April 2, flights from Helsinki to Florence will begin, while a route to Catania will launch on March 31. These routes will open up easy access to Italy’s cultural and historical treasures for travelers in Northern Europe.

Brindisi and Florence Get New Routes

Discover Airlines will operate new twice-weekly flights from Frankfurt to Brindisi starting June 2, 2026. This new connection to the southeastern tip of Italy will give travelers access to the stunning beaches and historical sites of Apulia. Additionally, Volotea will expand its services from Florence in September 2026, adding new routes to Seville, Valencia, Berlin, and Strasbourg with the deployment of a second aircraft at Florence’s Amerigo Vespucci Airport.

Asian and Long-Haul Routes: Expanding Connectivity to Italy

In addition to North American and European routes, Italian airlines are also strengthening connections to Asia and beyond.

Air India’s Resumption of Delhi-Rome Service

Air India will resume nonstop flights between Delhi (DEL) and Rome (FCO) on March 25, 2026. This service will operate daily, enhancing the connection between India and Italy, and offering travelers from both countries a convenient option for connecting with Europe.

ITA Airways Strengthens Rome’s Global Reach

ITA Airways, Italy’s national carrier, will resume twice-daily flights between Rome and Delhi on March 29, 2026. This consistent service strengthens the airline’s presence on the global stage, linking Italy with one of South Asia’s fastest-growing travel markets.

Conclusion: 2026 Marks a New Era for Italy’s International Air Connectivity

The expansion of Italian routes in 2026 marks a new chapter in the country’s growing role as a global travel hub. With more direct connections to regions like Sardinia, Apulia, and Sicily, travelers now have easier access to some of Italy’s most beautiful and historic locations. North American and European travelers, in particular, will benefit from these new routes and increased frequencies, while Air India, ITA Airways, and other airlines continue to connect Italy to emerging markets in Asia and beyond.

As the demand for travel to Italy increases, these developments highlight the country’s readiness to embrace the future of global aviation, offering better access, more comfort, and more convenience to travelers from around the world.

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