JEDDAH- ITA Airways (AZ) has launched direct flights between Rome (FCO) and Jeddah (JED), marking its second destination in Saudi Arabia. This move strengthens the airline’s foothold in the fast-growing Saudi market.
The inaugural flight, operated by an Airbus A321neo, touched down at King Abdulaziz International Airport on Tuesday evening. It received a traditional water arch welcome upon arrival.
ITA Airways Inaugurates Jeddah Flights
The return flight took off from Jeddah to Rome early Wednesday morning. Officials celebrated the new route with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Jeddah International Airport.
Attendees included Italian Vice Consul General Irene Buongiorno and senior representatives from ITA Airways and Jeddah Airports.
The airline will operate three weekly roundtrip flights on this new intercontinental route. The increased connectivity aims to boost travel and business ties between Italy and Saudi Arabia.
Flight Schedule
ITA Airways launches a new Rome-Jeddah route, operating three weekly flights in both directions.
- Jeddah to Rome flights depart at 3:30 a.m. on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, arriving in Rome at 7:00 a.m. the next day.
- Rome to Jeddah flights leave at 3:05 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, landing in Jeddah at 9:10 p.m.
The Airbus A321neo serves this route, offering improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. This aircraft features three cabin classes: Business, Premium Economy, and Economy. Italian designer Walter de Silva created the interior, showcasing Italian style. The plane boasts advanced entertainment systems with high-resolution touchscreens in all classes.
ITA Airways now flies to 57 destinations this summer: 16 domestic, 26 international, and 15 intercontinental. The airline adds 12 seasonal Mediterranean destinations during peak travel times. Recent expansions include new routes to North America (Chicago, Toronto), Saudi Arabia (Riyadh, Jeddah), and Africa (Accra, Dakar).
The airline plans further growth in Asia this winter. New routes to Dubai start October 27, while Bangkok flights begin November 16. These additions strengthen ITA Airways’ global network and offer more travel options for passengers.
Executive Remarks
Emiliana Limosani, ITA Airways’ Chief Commercial Officer, highlights the route’s importance in the airline’s summer expansion plan. The new service follows the recent Riyadh connection, using modern A321neo aircraft to boost medium-haul offerings.
Mazin Johar, CEO of Jeddah Airports, and Majid Khan, CEO of the Air Connectivity Program, welcome the new route. They emphasize its role in improving access to Jeddah for travelers from Italy, Europe, and the Americas. This connection opens opportunities for exploring Jeddah’s potential.
Irene Buongiorno, Italian Vice Consul General in Jeddah, views the new flight as a symbol of strengthening Italy-Saudi Arabia ties. She notes the route’s significance in developing commercial relationships between the two nations.
The Rome-Jeddah service aims to enhance cultural and business exchanges between Italy and the Arabian Peninsula. It also provides travelers with better access to ITA Airways’ broader network through its Rome Fiumicino hub.
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