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As global travel rebounds, ITA Airways is making exciting strides in expanding its reach with new long-haul flights from Rome to the Dominican Republic and the resumption of its service to Libya. This move is part of ITA Airways’ vision to enhance travel options for tourists, business travelers, and everyone in between, linking Europe to the Caribbean and North Africa more efficiently.
Starting in the winter season of 2026-27, travelers will be able to book flights from Rome Fiumicino Airport to Santo Domingo. This launch marks the airline’s inaugural entry into the Dominican Republic. Simultaneously, ITA Airways is bringing back direct flights to Tripoli, reestablishing connections that have been paused since October 2025, thus catering to growing traveler demand.
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The introduction of the Rome-Santo Domingo route is a significant business development for ITA Airways. The inaugural flight is set to take off on November 30, 2026, with a weekly schedule on Mondays. From December 14 onward, the airline will expand this offering to twice weekly, incorporating Sunday departures as well. This seasonal route will operate until the end of March 2027 and will solidify Santo Domingo’s status as ITA’s first destination in the Caribbean.
Before this, Alitalia, the airline’s predecessor, had not offered a direct connection to this fascinating destination for nearly 30 years. The launch of this route highlights the increasing demand for long-haul trips from Europe to the Caribbean, particularly during the European winter when many travelers are looking for sunny beaches and warm getaways.
The Dominican Republic stands out as a premier tourism hotspot in the Caribbean, drawing millions of visitors from around the globe each year. Santo Domingo, the capital city, serves as a cultural hub, boasting colonial architecture, a UNESCO World Heritage site, numerous museums, vibrant waterfront areas, and a flourishing food scene.
Beyond the capital, the Dominican Republic offers incredible attractions, including popular resort areas like Punta Cana, La Romana, and Puerto Plata, making it an ideal destination for diverse travelers. The growing European tourist demographic is vital for the country, and increased direct flights from Italy are anticipated to enhance visitor numbers, thereby supporting the local economy.
This new route opens up an array of opportunities for hospitality businesses and tour operators in the Dominican Republic looking to captivate more travelers from Southern Europe.
The Rome-Santo Domingo route will be serviced by ITA Airways’ Airbus A330neo, one of the latest additions to its long-haul fleet. This aircraft is designed to provide superior fuel efficiency and passenger comfort, along with cutting-edge cabin technology.
Travelers can look forward to modern amenities such as improved seating, advanced entertainment systems, and better air quality, significantly enhancing the long-haul travel experience. This also marks a key commitment by ITA Airways to maintain sustainable growth while modernizing its fleet.
The expansion of this route is not only about enhancing passenger experience but is also integral to the airline’s growing portfolio, which now includes destinations across North America, South America, Asia, and the Caribbean.
In addition to its expansion to the Caribbean, ITA Airways is also resuming direct flights to Tripoli. Service will commence on September 3, 2026, reintroducing flights to Tripoli Mitiga Airport after a hiatus of nearly a year. This route will operate twice a week using Airbus A319 aircraft.
The resumption of flights to Libya underlines the ongoing economic, cultural, and historical ties between Italy and Libya and supports various forms of travel, including business, governmental, and family visits. Furthermore, these direct links promote regional mobility and the rebuilding of aviation connections throughout the Mediterranean.
With the addition of these new routes, Rome Fiumicino Airport further establishes itself as a major international hub in Southern Europe. As the primary base for ITA Airways, the airport continually attracts new international connections which enhance its global presence.
Connecting Rome to critical destinations like Santo Domingo and Tripoli strengthens the airport’s international profile and provides passengers with more travel choices than ever. The enhanced variety of routes contributes to passenger traffic and ensures a thriving tourism environment.
The new routes between Rome, Santo Domingo, and Tripoli cater to a diverse array of travelers. The Santo Domingo route is expected to draw a significant number of leisure travelers seeking a Caribbean escape during winter, while the Tripoli service aims to accommodate business travelers, expatriates, and families.
This blend of leisure and business demand positions both routes for enduring success and highlights the need for airlines to balance tourism and corporate traffic effectively.
The introduction of these new routes, along with the restoration of previously suspended services, underscores a renewed confidence in the international aviation sector. Airlines are actively identifying opportunities to enhance connectivity between well-established destinations and underserved routes in response to the rising demand for travel.
Direct flights play a crucial role in boosting tourism, making destinations more accessible and fostering greater awareness. The latest moves by ITA Airways are part of broader trends within the industry, aiming to expand networks through new and revived connections.
ITA Airways has successfully launched non-stop flights between Rome and Santo Domingo and resumed services to Tripoli, marking a significant expansion of its international network. With Santo Domingo now included as the airline’s first Caribbean destination, this initiative strengthens tourism connectivity between Italy and a thriving travel market. Additionally, the resumed flights to Libya enhance mobility throughout the Mediterranean, reconnecting vital cultural and economic links. Collectively, these routes bolster Rome’s reputation as a key global aviation hub while fostering tourism, business travel, and international accessibility across Europe, the Caribbean, and North Africa.
Source: The post Rome, Santo Domingo and Tripoli Tourism Connectivity Expands as ITA Airways Launches New Dominican Republic Service and Resumes Libya Flights first appeared on www.travelandtourworld.com.
