ITA Airways Starts Nonstop Rome-Jeddah Flights

ITA Airways has launched a nonstop flight between the cities of Rome and Jeddah.

The Italian flag carrier began its Rome-Jeddah direct flights on August 2, Friday. High-level stakeholders such as Italian Vice Consul General Irene Buongiorno, along with ITA and Jeddah airport representatives attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony. According to the Saudi Press Agency, the flight connects the Rome Fiumicino Airport with the King Abdulaziz Airport.

The ITA Airways Rome-Jeddah flights is a product of Saudi Arabia’s Air Connectivity Program (ACP). The airline uses an A321neo aircraft three times every week to operate the flights. In particular, flights leave Jeddah every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday at 3:30 a.m. Meanwhile, flights leave Rome every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 3:05 p.m.

Exploring the untapped potential of Jeddah

Interestingly, Italian transport designer Walter de Silva designed the A321neo. The aircraft features a Business Class, Premium Economy, and Economy sections and can carry up to 165 passengers. Aboard the plane, they can enjoy cutting-edge entertainment systems.

Since 2019, the Fiumicino Airport has experienced four times the volume of flights to Saudi Arabia. In fact, in 2024, traffic has spiked by as much as 33 percent versus in 2023.

Jeddah airports chief executive Mazen Johar and ACP chief executive Majid Khan spoke about the new ITA Airways flight.

“We are delighted to see ITA Airways commencing the route between Rome and our coastal and historical city of Jeddah, which will further enhance our air connectivity to KSA.”

“Travelers from ITA Airways’ network in Italy, Europe, and the Americas will enjoy a more seamless journey to explore the untapped potential of Jeddah.”

Boosting visitor numbers to Saudi Arabia

The Italian airline isn’t the only one offering flights between the two cities. Budget airline Wizz Air and Saudia also fly passengers between Rome and Jeddah.

With the ACP, Saudi authorities hope to promote enhanced air connectivity between untapped markets in the kingdom. ITA chief commercial officer Emiliana Limosani said the flight boosts visitor numbers to Saudi Arabia.

She noted that it’s “a crucial step in our mission to develop the tourism sector further and increase visitor numbers from Italy, Europe, and beyond to Saudi Arabia.”

This initiative underscores Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to attract 150 million visitors annually by 2030. It also supports the kingdom’s aim of diversifying its investments away from petroleum wealth.

About ITA Airways

The Italian government has partial ownership of ITA Airways. In 2023, Germany’s flag carrier Lufthansa acquired a 41 percent stake in ITA, with full acquisition in its plans.

Since its launch in 2020, ITA Airways has grown to cover 65 destinations in 22 countries, with 393 daily departures. In winter, it plans on launching flights to the cities of Bangkok and Dubai.

Photo: X/ITA Airways