Denver to Rome: United Airlines Launches Direct Flight Amid Growing U.S.-Italy Ties and Transatlantic Commerce

Starting May 1, 2025, United Airlines, in collaboration with the City and County of Denver, inaugurated a direct flight between Denver, Colorado and Rome, Italy. This new transatlantic air route marks a significant milestone in the growing partnership between Denver and United Airlines and arrives during a momentous year for Italy, both culturally and spiritually.

The ten-hour flight launched during Italy’s Jubilee Year, an important event in the Catholic Church that draws millions of pilgrims and cultural visitors from around the world, boosting Italy tourism. In addition, events centered around the Vatican are expected to increase global focus on Rome and religious tourism to Italy. According to Italy’s National Tourist Research Institute, an estimated 35 million travelers are expected to visit Italy in 2025, highlighting the significant demand for travel to Italy.

A picturesque view of the Vatican at sunset, showcasing St. Peter's Basilica and the surrounding architecture, with a vibrant pink and purple sky reflected in the river.

For Italians, the Vatican is more than a religious institution, it is a vital part of the country’s cultural, political, and even economic landscape. Events centered in Rome often ripple across sectors such as tourism, hospitality, diplomacy, and international investment, impacting the broader U.S.-Italy economic relationship.

This new Denver to Rome air route is not just a convenience, it’s a strategic move to strengthen U.S.-Italy ties and transatlantic business connections. With rising demand for travel to Italy, particularly from the American Midwest, the flight is expected to significantly boost tourism from the USA to Italy, facilitate transatlantic business opportunities, and foster cultural exchange between Italy and the United States. In 2024, nearly six million Americans visited Italy, and those numbers are forecasted to grow steadily into 2025, further emphasizing the importance of this direct link.

Italy, under the leadership of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, has reaffirmed its commitment to transatlantic relationships, particularly with the United States, positioning itself as a key global player in diplomacy, peace-building, and strategic industries, reinforcing Italy’s global role.

Forging Connections: Collaboration Efforts Behind the Route

To ensure the success of this new U.S.-Italy partnership, Denver Economic Development’s Director of Global Engagement, Stephanie Garnica, proactively collaborated with Italian Confidente Andrea Zanon, Giulio Busulini, and Heidi Hostetter of H2 Solutions. Their joint efforts aim to secure robust engagement from both Italian business across manufacturing, technology, fashion, space industries from Lazio, Veneto, Tuscany, Lombardy among others, fostering Denver Italy business collaboration.

“As a Colorado resident and native Italian, this initiative matters deeply to me. I want to make sure this partnership is not only recognized, but that it thrives,” said Andrea Zanon, highlighting the personal commitment to strengthening U.S.-Italy business ties.

Analyzing the Demand: Why Denver-Rome?

According to United Airlines, Denver–Rome is currently the largest underserved transatlantic market out of Denver International Airport (DEN). Last year, over 60,000 travelers flew between the two cities, a 30% increase from the year before, and the airline projects even greater demand for travel to Italy in 2025. Italy now ranks as the fourth most popular overseas destination for U.S. travelers, following Mexico, Canada, and the U.K., demonstrating its strong appeal for American travelers.

Leveraging the New Connection: A High-Level Business Mission

To celebrate this milestone in U.S.-Italy connectivity, the City and County of Denver, alongside DEN, Denver Economic Development & Opportunity, and key Colorado stakeholders, is organizing a high-level business mission to Rome. The delegation arrived in Rome on May 1st, and included dozens of Colorado entrepreneurs, executives, and civil society leaders seeking to forge new commercial relationships across sectors such as clean tech, aerospace, advanced manufacturing, and agri-food, promoting Italy US business collaboration.

Celebrating the Partnership: An Iconic Setting in Rome

The mission’s centerpiece will be held on May 5 at Villa Miani, a 19th-century neoclassical estate perched atop Monte Mario. With sweeping views of St. Peter’s Basilica and the Roman skyline, Villa Miani offers an iconic setting for fostering cross-cultural dialogue and international collaboration between Italy and the US.

This celebration is more than symbolic. It reflects the shared values of innovation, sustainability, and global connection that both Denver and Rome are actively promoting. For Denver, the flight elevates its position as a rising hub for international business and tourism. For Rome, it opens a direct pathway to the U.S. heartland, a region eager for authentic Italian culture, experiences, and Italy US partnerships.

Beyond Tourism: Long-Term Economic and Cultural Impacts

The Denver–Rome connection is expected to have long-term impacts beyond tourism, including in clean energy, aerospace, quantum technology, fashion, and higher education. Leaders from across industries—from energy to hospitality to tech startups—will use this opportunity to build lasting collaborations with their Italian counterparts, enhancing US Italian industry collaboration.

As the global economy becomes increasingly interconnected, cities that invest in direct air routes and cross-border commerce will gain a clear competitive edge. This flight is more than a tourist route; it’s a modern bridge between two communities united by a commitment to innovation, cultural exchange, and shared prosperity, strengthening U.S.-Italy ties.

Rome: A Gateway to Italy’s Rich Offerings

Rome also serves as a gateway to the rest of Italy, with high-speed train access to Milan and Venice in about three hours, and just 90 minutes to Florence and Naples. For American travelers and investors alike, it’s a perfect launch point into Italy’s cultural and economic centers, facilitating travel within Italy.

With strong support from public leaders, businesses, and cultural institutions, this partnership marks a new chapter in transatlantic engagement.

“Avanti insieme”, forward together, as the Italian business community says.