TravTalk India Online Magazine
ITA Airways, Italy’s flagship carrier, has officially launched its new direct flight between Mauritius and Rome Fiumicino, strengthening connectivity between Italy and one of the Indian Ocean’s most sought-after destinations. The inaugural flight, operated by the airline’s state-of-the-art Airbus A330neo, landed at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport at 11:20 a.m. local time, marking a significant milestone in ITA Airways’ expanding intercontinental network.
To celebrate the launch of this new intercontinental route — ITA Airways’ first nonstop service to Mauritius — a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held upon arrival of the inaugural flight at SSR International Airport in the presence of institutional guests, local media, stakeholders, and ITA Airways’ top management.
Taking part in the ceremony were Mr Christian Harold Richard Duval, Minister of Tourism; Mr Sydney Pierre, Junior Minister of Tourism; Mr Megh Pillay, Executive Chairman, AHL, with representatives of Airports of Mauritius, including Mr Lormus Bundhoo, CEO; Mrs Claire Le Lay, Chairperson, Tourism Promotion Authority, Mauritius; Mr Avinash Kanti Teelock, Director, Tourism Promotion Authority, Mauritius; Mrs Emiliana Limosani, Chief Commercial Officer, ITA Airways and CEO, Volare; H.E. Mr Stefano Zinno, Honorary Consul, Italy, and the tourism partners, amongst others.
The new direct flight will further strengthen ties between Italy and Mauritius, boost tourism flows, and lay the groundwork for future collaborations between the two countries. A leading leisure destination, Mauritius also serves as a dynamic hub for cargo operations, being one of the most prosperous economies in Africa thanks to its diversified industries — from agribusiness and pharmaceuticals to high technology — supported by advanced infrastructure ensuring efficient, time-sensitive logistics.
“The inaugural flight of ITA Airways to Mauritius marks not only the arrival of a new airline but also the strengthening of a long-standing and cherished friendship between Mauritius and Italy. The new chapter that begins today aims to bring our peoples even closer together. It also paves the way for new opportunities in several areas — trade, culture, and above all, tourism,” said Richard Duval, Minister of Tourism. “Each new airline and each new air route strengthens our tourism sector and creates opportunities for our people. Thanks to this direct connection, I am confident that more and more Italians will come to discover the magic of Mauritius — its pristine beaches, vibrant culture, rich cuisine, and above all, the warmth of our people. We look forward to working closely with ITA Airways, with our local tourism partners, and with Italian tourism professionals to promote this route and ensure its success.”
“We are proud to be here today and launch the new nonstop flight from Rome to Mauritius,” said Emiliana Limosani, Chief Commercial Officer of ITA Airways and CEO of Volare. “We are confident that this route will strengthen the ties between Italy and Mauritius, boost travel, and pave the way for future collaborations between our two countries. This island — the pearl of the Indian Ocean — adds to the wide range of international leisure destinations served by the ITA Airways network. Intercontinental routes are a cornerstone of our growth strategy, combining seamless connectivity with the elegance, comfort, and hospitality that define the premium Italian travel experience on board our aircraft.”
The new direct connection is one of the highlights of ITA Airways’ Winter 2025–2026 season and will operate with two weekly frequencies. On Saturdays and Mondays, flights will depart from Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport at 10:10 p.m., arriving in Rome Fiumicino at 6:40 a.m. the following morning. Return flights from Italy will depart on Fridays and Sundays from Rome Fiumicino Airport at 10:00 p.m., arriving in Mauritius at 11:20 a.m. the next day. Through its Rome Fiumicino hub, ITA Airways offers passengers seamless connections to domestic and international destinations across its extensive network.
The inaugural flight was operated by the airline’s state-of-the-art Airbus A330-900neo, featuring a three-class configuration: 30 Business Class seats that recline fully into flat beds, 24 Premium Economy, and 237 Economy Class seats, including 36 Comfort Economy. The cabin features elegant interiors, refined lighting, advanced in-flight entertainment systems, and full Wi-Fi connectivity throughout — ensuring maximum comfort and a premium travel experience. The overnight schedule also provides convenient travel times, allowing passengers, including families with children, to enjoy a more relaxed journey.
With the addition of Mauritius, ITA Airways will serve 53 destinations during the Winter 2025–2026 season, including 16 domestic, 21 international, and 16 intercontinental routes to worldwide destinations in North and South America, Africa, and Asia. Additional highlights of the winter schedule include the resumption of Rome-Malé (Maldives) service from December 19, 2025, with daily flights until January 6, followed by three weekly frequencies (four in February) through Easter; increased frequencies to Bangkok (from five to seven weekly flights starting December 8, 2025); and additional service to Buenos Aires, with ten weekly frequencies between December 16, 2025, and January 9, 2026.
ITA Airways is an ambassador of Made in Italy worldwide, and since the start of operation on 15 October 2021, the airline has made the tricolour not only a defining element of its brand, prominently displayed on its aircraft liveries, but also a core part of its identity. Italian excellence is at the heart of every service offered to passengers — from menus crafted by renowned Michelin-starred chefs inspired by Italian culinary traditions, to uniforms created under the stylistic guidance of Brunello Cucinelli, and aircraft interiors designed by Walter de Silva.
All ITA Airways flights can be purchased on the ita-airways.com website, through the ITA Airways Customer Information Assistance Office, travel agencies, and airport ticket offices.
