Home » AIRLINE NEWS » Italy And Israel Forge Stronger Ties As ITA Airways Resumes Direct Flights From Rome To Tel Aviv, Providing Premium Travel Options And Enhanced Air Access Starting In 2026
Published on
November 3, 2025
Italy and Israel are set to strengthen their bilateral relations with the resumption of direct flights from Rome to Tel Aviv by ITA Airways, starting in 2026. This move comes as part of Italy’s ongoing efforts to enhance air connectivity between the two nations, offering travelers more premium travel options and direct access to one of the Middle East’s most dynamic destinations. By reintroducing this important route, ITA Airways aims to facilitate smoother travel for business, tourism, and cultural exchanges, reaffirming its commitment to expanding international services. This significant development also underscores the growing demand for increased air connectivity between Italy and Israel, promising improved travel experiences for passengers seeking convenience and quality.
ITA Airways has announced the reinstatement of direct flights between Rome and Tel Aviv starting January 1, 2026, restoring an important air connection between Italy and Israel. This resumption comes at a crucial time for both countries, as the direct link will strengthen not only business and tourism opportunities but also social and cultural exchanges. ITA Airways, Italy’s national airline, will operate the flights with a fleet of Airbus A321neo aircraft, offering passengers three distinct seating classes—Business, Premium Economy, and Economy—to enhance comfort, luxury, and sustainability.
The new flights will be available twice daily, providing travelers with flexibility and ample options to connect between the two cities. The first flight of the day, AZ806, will depart from Rome Fiumicino at 09:15, arriving in Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport at 13:35. The return flight, AZ807, will leave Tel Aviv at 14:55 and arrive back in Rome at 17:40, allowing passengers a convenient mid-day departure and arrival. For those traveling later in the evening, a second flight (AZ810) will depart Rome at 22:50, arriving in Tel Aviv at 03:10. The return leg, AZ809, will depart Tel Aviv at 05:15 and land in Rome at 08:05, ensuring passengers can take advantage of early morning connections to various destinations across Europe and beyond.
This new schedule not only caters to travelers looking to visit Israel for leisure and business but also facilitates same-day connections to a wide range of destinations from Rome’s extensive flight network. ITA Airways’ hub at Fiumicino is one of Europe’s busiest, offering quick connections to major European capitals, North American cities, and key destinations in Asia. As such, the resumption of direct flights between Rome and Tel Aviv enhances Italy’s global connectivity and strengthens its role as a central hub for international air travel.
One of the key features of the new route is the Airbus A321neo, a state-of-the-art aircraft designed with both comfort and sustainability in mind. ITA Airways is committed to reducing its environmental impact, and the A321neo contributes significantly to this goal. Compared to older aircraft models, the A321neo reduces fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions by more than 20%, a crucial step in the airline’s ongoing efforts to reduce its carbon footprint. This new aircraft not only delivers fuel efficiency but also offers passengers a more comfortable and technologically advanced travel experience. The cabins are designed with ergonomic seating, improved noise reduction, and advanced air filtration systems, ensuring a pleasant journey for travelers.
The A321neo is part of ITA Airways’ broader strategy to modernize its fleet and invest in sustainable aviation technologies. The airline continues to expand its fleet with the addition of newer, more fuel-efficient aircraft such as the A220, A320neo, A321neo, and A330neo, all of which play an integral role in helping ITA Airways meet its environmental goals. Along with fleet modernization, the airline is also focusing on enhancing customer service through digital innovation, offering passengers a smoother, more seamless experience from booking to boarding.
The return of the Rome-Tel Aviv route is significant not only for its direct connection but also for its potential to boost commercial, cultural, and tourism ties between the two countries. Israel and Italy share deep historical, economic, and cultural connections, and this resumption allows for a more convenient and frequent exchange of ideas, goods, and services. Tourism is expected to be one of the key sectors to benefit from the resumed flights, as travelers will now have greater flexibility to visit both countries. Israel is a top destination for tourists seeking rich history, diverse landscapes, and religious significance, while Italy continues to be one of the world’s most visited countries for its culture, food, and art.
For those interested in making the most of their travel experience, ITA Airways is offering convenient ticketing options through multiple platforms, including its website, call center, travel agencies, and airport ticket counters. This broad availability ensures that travelers can easily book their flights to Tel Aviv, whether they are making plans far in advance or booking a last-minute trip. The airline also offers competitive prices and convenient flight schedules, making it a preferred choice for many passengers looking to travel between Italy and Israel.
ITA Airways, which is majority-owned by the Italian Ministry of Finance (59%) and Lufthansa (41%), continues to strengthen its position as Italy’s flagship carrier. As a key player in the airline industry, ITA Airways is focused on expanding its network and offering new services that meet the evolving needs of travelers. The resumption of direct flights between Rome and Tel Aviv is just one example of the airline’s ongoing efforts to connect Italy with key international destinations.
The Italian airline’s commitment to customer service, sustainability, and technological innovation ensures that passengers traveling between Rome and Tel Aviv will have a superior travel experience. With the A321neo offering significant improvements in fuel efficiency and a more comfortable cabin, ITA Airways is well-positioned to meet the demands of modern air travel. Whether flying for business or leisure, passengers can rest assured that they will enjoy a smooth, sustainable, and enjoyable journey with Italy’s national airline.
ITA Airways is resuming direct flights from Rome to Tel Aviv in 2026, strengthening Italy-Israel ties by offering premium travel options and enhancing air access between the two nations.
This move is also a positive development for the broader air travel industry in Europe and the Middle East, as it highlights the importance of maintaining strong air links between two major regions. By resuming direct flights between Rome and Tel Aviv, ITA Airways is helping to foster greater international cooperation and ensuring that both Italy and Israel remain well-connected to the rest of the world.
