ITA Airways has confirmed plans to launch direct flights between Rome and Caracas in the fourth quarter of 2026. The announcement came from CEO Joerg Eberhart at the IATA Annual General Meeting in Rio de Janeiro, marking one of the airline’s more ambitious long-haul commitments so far. This Rome–Caracas service would revive a transatlantic link that Alitalia, ITA’s predecessor, shut down in 2014 after Venezuela’s government blocked ticket revenue from being repatriated.
For anyone eyeing a trip to Venezuela or hoping to connect onward to places like Los Roques, this could be a game-changer—though the route isn’t 100% locked in yet. Details like the exact launch date, frequency, and when tickets will actually hit the market are still up in the air. If you’re thinking about planning that onward hop to Los Roques after landing in Caracas, you can reach out to the Los Roques team through their contact form for some guidance.
Key Takeaways
- ITA Airways aims to start direct Rome–Caracas flights in Q4 2026, most likely after the European summer rush.
- The route revives a profitable corridor that Alitalia dropped over a decade ago, but regulatory approvals are still pending.
Easier access from Italy to Caracas could put more Caribbean and adventure destinations in Venezuela on the radar.
What Is Confirmed About The New Italy–Venezuela Link
ITA Airways is working toward an October or November 2026 launch for the Rome–Caracas route, and there are ongoing talks with Venezuelan aviation authorities. This new service is shaping up to be a cornerstone of ITA’s international expansion for late 2026.
Expected Launch Window And Regulatory Status
Eberhart said at the IATA congress in Rio that ITA is moving forward with Caracas plans, targeting a Q4 2026 start after the summer peak. Venezuelan officials, including folks from INAC (Instituto Nacional de Aeronáutica Civil), have met with ITA to push the process along and formalize an air service agreement.
Full bilateral clearance hadn’t been granted at the time of writing. That’s pretty normal for a route still being pieced together, but it does mean the schedule and start date could shift. Tickets aren’t on sale yet, so you’ll have to wait a bit before booking anything.
Likely Airports, Flight Time, And Route Economics
The pairing is Rome Fiumicino (FCO) to Caracas Maiquetía (CCS), with no stops in between. The journey covers about 8,600 kilometers, so you’re looking at roughly ten to eleven hours westbound, maybe a bit longer heading back east if the winds don’t cooperate.
Before Alitalia pulled out in 2014, this was actually one of their stronger transatlantic routes. The Venezuelan-Italian diaspora, Italian tourists, and business travelers kept planes pretty full. ITA seems to be banking on that same demand, and has already nudged fares up 5-10% across its network to deal with higher fuel costs.
Why The Route Matters After Alitalia
Alitalia left Venezuela in 2014 when the Maduro government blocked the repatriation of ticket revenue, a move that pushed out several international carriers that year. Bringing back a direct Italy–Venezuela service after more than a decade signals a real shift in international confidence in the market. ITA Airways, now under the Lufthansa Group umbrella, has the heft to make this route work—something a smaller airline would struggle to pull off.
What The Route Could Mean For Travelers Heading Beyond Caracas
The Rome–Caracas connection isn’t just about Caracas itself. For travelers, it’s a gateway to the rest of Venezuela, cutting out a layover and saving both time and energy for onward journeys. Los Roques, the protected Caribbean archipelago, and Gran Sabana down south are two spots people tend to ask about in the same breath as this route.
Likely Aircraft, Seats, And Business Class Experience
ITA Airways is running long-haul flights with Airbus A330-900neo and A350-900s as part of its fleet overhaul (shooting for all next-gen aircraft by 2030). The A350-900 usually seats 280–320 passengers in three classes, with 30–40 Business Class seats in a 1-2-1 configuration—so every seat gets direct aisle access.
The A330-900neo has similar numbers. Both jets are fuel efficient, which matters since ITA has hedged 80% of its 2026 fuel at fixed prices to protect margins. In Business Class, you’ll get lie-flat beds, direct aisle access, and on-demand entertainment for the ten-plus-hour trek.
There’s no official seat map for the Caracas route yet, so the exact cabin layout isn’t set in stone. But these are the standard setups ITA uses for its other transatlantic flights.
How To Continue From Caracas To Los Roques
Maiquetía is where all international flights land in Venezuela. To get to Los Roques, you’ll need to hop on a separate domestic flight—usually a small prop plane—to Gran Roque Airport (LRV). It’s a short runway (just 1,000 meters), so only light aircraft can land. The flight from the Caracas area takes around 35 minutes.
After the June 2026 earthquake, some flights have been rerouted. Right now, departures also leave from Charallave (Aerocaribe) and Maracay (Conviasa), not just the main Caracas airport. Luggage limits are tight: 10 kg per person on most carriers, and you’ll pay about USD 1 per extra kilo. Space is limited on these little planes, so booking ahead is pretty much essential.
Why Italian Travelers May Notice Los Roques More
Los Roques has always had a bit of an Italian flavor. Several posadas on Gran Roque are Italian-owned or run, some going back to the ‘90s. Italian guests come back year after year, drawn by the mix of powdery beaches, kitesurfing on flat water, saltwater fly fishing, and scuba diving at sites like Dos Mosquises and Sebastopol.
A direct Rome–Caracas flight eliminates a connection and several hours for Italian travelers. That convenience, plus the familiar vibe many Italians already find in Los Roques, could make the archipelago a much more visible Caribbean option—especially for those who used to connect through Madrid or Lisbon.
Which Venezuelan airport(s) will ITA Airways serve and from which Italian city will it depart?
The confirmed route is Rome Fiumicino (FCO) in Italy to Caracas Simón Bolívar International Airport (Maiquetía, CCS) in Venezuela. No other cities in either country have been mentioned for this service.
How often will ITA Airways operate the Italy–Venezuela route and what will the timetable be?
There’s no official word yet on weekly frequency or departure times. For a route like this, two or three flights per week is typical, but nothing’s been published so far.
When will tickets for ITA Airways flights to Venezuela go on sale and where can they be booked?
Tickets aren’t on sale yet as of mid-July 2026. Once they’re released, you’ll be able to book through ITA Airways’ website, major booking sites, or travel agencies. Fares across ITA’s network have already been bumped up 5–10% to help cover fuel costs.
What entry requirements and travel advisories apply for passengers traveling to Venezuela in late 2026?
Entry requirements for Venezuela depend on your nationality and can change. Travelers from Europe should check their government’s official travel advisories and Venezuela’s current visa and entry rules before booking. The U.S. State Department and European foreign ministries still list Venezuela with elevated advisories, so it’s smart to review those before making plans.
Which other international airlines are currently operating flights to Venezuela in 2026?
These days, a handful of international airlines still fly into Caracas—mainly through places like Madrid, Bogotá, Panama City, and some other Latin American cities. ITA Airways would be bringing back that long-missing direct Italy link, something we haven't seen since Alitalia left in 2014. If you're after the latest list of who’s actually operating, honestly, the best bet is to check Maiquetía airport’s official site or just use a flight search tool. Things change fast.