Hobby's new airline

Low-cost, Houston-based airline offers new, non-stop route to New England

Photo of a Boeing 737 Avelo Airlines plane

Houston-based Avelo Airlines begins service to New Haven, CT, beginning June 14.

Courtesy of Avelo Airlines

Houstonians looking to head to the New York City area without the New York City hassles (traffic, overcrowded airports) will soon have a new option that takes off from Houston Hobby (HOU). Beginning in June, Houston-based Avelo Airlines is launching non-stop service between Hobby and Connecticut's Tweed-New Haven Airport (HVN), making it the only carrier in the Bayou City to offer non-stop service to the Nutmeg State.

Set to begin flights on June 14, the low-cost, no-frills airline is offering introductory rates of $98 one-way, with service on Fridays and Mondays, perfect timing for New York metro-area weekend getaways (The Hamptons, anyone? Newport?).

"We cannot wait for Houston travelers to discover Avelo's convenience, affordability, and industry-leading reliability," Avelo CEO Andrew Levy said in a statement. "This is an especially proud occasion for our Houston-based airline and all of us who call Houston home."

Avelo will fly Boeing Next Generation (NG) 737 aircraft to New Haven, perhaps best known as the city that calls Yale University home. It's also known for celebrated pizzerias such as Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana, Sally's Apizza, and Modern Apizza. Located just under a two-hour drive to New York City and a little over an hour to the beaches of Westerly, R.I., New Haven offers travelers an alternative to the crush and crowds of the Big Apple, while also being a hub to other Northeast locations.

Founded in Houston in 2018, Avelo employs more than 200 people at its Greenway Plaza headquarters. The airline began service in 2021 from Los Angeles' Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR). Since then, it has grown to serve 50 destinations in 23 states and Puerto Rico. The HOU-HVN flight is the airline's first route out of its home city.

Fares begin at $98, with optional extra charges for things like selecting your preferred seat, seats with extra legroom, carryon luggage, bringing a pet, and priority boarding. There are no charges, however, for changes or cancellations to travelers' reservations, and the airline promises that children under 14 will always be seated automatically with an accompanying adult for no extra cost.

"Houston Airports exists to connect the people, businesses, cultures, and economies of the world to Houston," Houston Airports director of aviation Jim Szczesniak added. "That's why we are thrilled to welcome Avelo to Hobby Airport. From world-class amenities to Houston-friendly hospitality and an efficient experience from curb to gate, our team at Hobby is ready to welcome even more travelers to the first and only 5-Star Skytrax Airport in North America."

flights houston hobby hvn airport

all routes lead to rome

New nonstop flight connects Houston with Rome for the first time

Photo courtest of Houston Airports

Houston Mayor John Whitmire listens as Jim Szczesniak, Director of Aviation for Houston Airports, discusses the addition of ITA Airways at IAH.

Thinking of a Roman holiday? The good news for Houstonians is that George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) will begin offering direct, nonstop flights to Rome starting next spring. It will be the first time IAH and Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) in Fiumicino, Italy have connected nonstop.

“We welcome ITA Airways to Houston, as it reflects our city's prominence on the global stage," said Houston Mayor John Whitmire in a press conference held on Tuesday, December 2. "The first ever route between Houston and Rome will strengthen our business, diplomatic, and cultural ties with Italy. It will also bring more visitors to experience Houston's vibrant culture, world-class healthcare, and diverse industries."

Starting May 1, 2026, ITA Airways will offer three flights a week between Houston and Rome, expanding to five flights a week beginning June 1. Houston is ITA's ninth North American destination.

“Nonstop service to Rome is a defining moment for Houston and a direct result of the strength and credibility of our airport system. This route will bring new visitors, new investment, and new business opportunities into our region,” said Jim Szczesniak, director of aviation for Houston Airports. “It expands Houston’s presence in Europe and proves that disciplined, strategic growth at Houston Airports delivers measurable economic impact. Strong airports don’t just move people. They shape markets, expand opportunity and help define a city’s place in the world.”

Flights will be made via a Airbus A330-900. The model is renowned for its comfort on long flights, including ergonomic seats, ample personal space, and a quiet cabin. Appropriately, many of the interior cabin components are made in Italy and reflect an elegant European design.

Houston billionaire Tilman Fertitta, currently serving as America's ambassador to Italy, also welcomed the new route that connects his hometown with his current job.

“As a Texan and as the U.S. Ambassador to Italy, I’m thrilled by ITA’s new direct route between Houston and Rome," Fertitta said. "It strengthens the economic links that drive mutual understanding and shared prosperity. It was great working with ITA Airways CEO Joerg Eberhart, Mayor John Whitmire, and all the partners that helped make this possible.”

The new route to Rome continues the international expansion that has been happening at IAH over the last several years. Last year, the airport announced new non-stop flights to recent vacation hotspot, Puerto Escondido, Mexico. It was part of Houston Airports' goal of making Houston the gateway to America ahead of the FIFA 2026 World Cup. Now, it looks like IAH will be welcoming Italian soccer fans, as the routes open up just in time for the sports event next summer.

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