DUBAI: Italy’s leading airline, ITA Airways, has unveiled its first-ever direct route to the United Arab Emirates, introducing a daily non-stop flight from Dubai to Rome Fiumicino.
This highly anticipated launch aligns with the airline's winter season expansion, which emphasises growth in key international markets.
Through this new route, ITA Airways reaffirms its mission to be an “Ambassador of Made in Italy,” connecting Italy’s vibrant culture and hospitality with the world.
Rome-Dubai route: a milestone for ITA Airways
Operating under the Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance, ITA Airways aims to create sustainable, efficient connections worldwide. The new Dubai-Rome route marks a significant expansion into the UAE, establishing an essential link between the two nations. Italy’s national carrier highlights this as part of its broader goal of boosting international tourism and trade, with Dubai serving as a central hub in the Middle East.
Chief Commercial Officer Emiliana Limosani remarked, “We are delighted to inaugurate our non-stop service between Dubai and Rome Fiumicino. As the first major addition to our winter schedule, this new daily route will enhance tourism and trade between Italy and the United Arab Emirates, a strategic market not only for point-to-point travel but also for connecting to other domestic, international, and intercontinental destinations via our Fiumicino hub, combining leisure and business travel. This new flight strengthens our presence in the Middle East, complementing our nonstop services to Riyadh and Jeddah, launched earlier this summer.”
What ITA Airways is offering on new route
ITA Airways will fly the new route with the Airbus A321neo, a technologically advanced narrow-body jet recognised for both fuel efficiency and passenger comfort. This aircraft is outfitted with a three-class configuration: Business Class with 12 seats, Premium Economy with 12 seats, and Economy with 141 seats, 12 of which offer additional legroom. The A321neo reduces fuel consumption by over 20 percent compared to previous models, aligning with ITA Airways’ vision to become one of Europe’s greenest carriers.
The aircraft boasts ITA’s custom-designed interior, featuring a unique lighting system, spacious overhead bins, and cutting-edge in-flight entertainment. With high-resolution, low-reflectivity touchscreens in each cabin class, passengers can enjoy a wide range of “on-demand” audio and video options, delivering an enriched in-flight experience.
When the Flights Operate: Key Details on the Schedule
ITA Airways’ new Dubai to Rome route is operational daily, offering convenience to both business and leisure travellers. The schedule details are as follows:
- Dubai to Rome Fiumicino: Departure at 1:50 am (local time), arriving in Rome at 6:00 am.
- Rome Fiumicino to Dubai: Departure at 10:40 am (local time), arriving in Dubai at 7:50 pm.
Travellers can book their flights on ITA Airways’ official website, via customer service, or through travel agencies and airport ticket offices.
Dubai-Rome flights launch at DXB
To commemorate this launch, the airline hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Dubai International Airport (DXB). The event saw the attendance of distinguished guests, including Pierfrancesco Carino, Vice President International Sales ITA Airways, Benedetto Mencaroni Poiani, Regional Manager for Asia, Middle East, and Africa ITA Airways, Lorenzo Fanara, Ambassador of Italy in the UAE, and Robert Whitehouse, Vice President of Research at Dubai Airports.
This debut event also included a grand media showcase held at the Grand Hyatt Dubai, hosted by Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism. During this event, ITA Airways highlighted its expanding brand presence in the UAE, which aligns with its goal of fostering closer ties between Italy and key global destinations.
Lorenzo Fanara, the Italian Ambassador to the UAE, shared his enthusiasm: “I am pleased to welcome to Dubai the first flight of ITA Airways from Rome. The continuous growth of Italian nationals living in the UAE, the significant touristic flows in both ways and the expansion of Italian export to the prosperous Gulf market make this new connection between Rome and Dubai a timely and farsighted decision.”
Robert Whitehouse, VP of Research at Dubai Airports, also expressed excitement, saying, “We’re excited to welcome ITA Airways to DXB, further expanding our network and strengthening connections between Dubai and Italy. This new launch not only opens Dubai to more visitors from Italy but also offers seamless onward travel through DXB’s extensive global network. We look forward to hosting guests eager to explore the vibrant destinations and the hundreds of cities we connect to worldwide.”
How Dubai-Rome route reflects ITA Airways’ vision
ITA Airways’ fleet is comprised entirely of Airbus aircraft, with a total of 100 planes currently in service, of which 60 are next-generation models. This investment in advanced aircraft technology not only enhances operational efficiency but also helps achieve the airline’s sustainability targets. ITA’s long-term vision includes achieving a 90 percent eco-friendly fleet by the conclusion of its 2023-2027 Strategic Plan. Through this initiative, ITA Airways aims to reduce CO₂ emissions, lower fuel consumption by 25 percent, and enhance its reputation as a European green carrier.
In addition to the Dubai route, ITA Airways’ winter schedule will include two new long-haul routes. Starting 16th November 2024, ITA will introduce five weekly direct flights from Rome to Bangkok, marking its debut in the Thai market, serviced by the Airbus A330neo. A second addition, commencing 20th December 2024, will feature up to five weekly flights between Rome and Malé, Maldives, operated by the Airbus A330-900.
Since its launch on 15th October 2021, ITA Airways has cultivated an authentic Italian experience in the skies. Its partnership with top Italian brands ensures that every element—from the stylish uniforms by Brunello Cucinelli to the elegant aircraft interiors designed by Walter De Silva—represents Italian craftsmanship. Culinary offerings on board are curated by acclaimed Italian chefs, giving passengers a taste of Italy at 30,000 feet.
As a SkyTeam Alliance member, ITA Airways integrates global connectivity with a personalised, customer-centred approach, ensuring a seamless journey. Through digitised services and green practices, ITA remains committed to a forward-thinking, sustainable travel experience.