Tampa Bay is one of the fastest-growing regions in the United States, yet travelers flying out of Tampa International Airport still have very limited nonstop access to Europe, especially Italy.

Right now, residents traveling to destinations like Rome, Naples, and other parts of Italy are forced to connect through cities like Atlanta, New York City, or other major hubs, adding unnecessary travel time and making international travel less convenient for Tampa Bay residents.

This feels outdated for a region that continues to grow in population, tourism, and economic strength. Tampa’s economy has grown significantly since the pandemic, and TPA was named the Best Large U.S. Airport for a second straight year in USA Today’s 10Best Awards in 2025.

Direct service wouldn’t just benefit Tampa residents traveling to Italy. It would also create new tourism opportunities by making Tampa Bay more accessible to Italian travelers who often visit Miami but may overlook Tampa simply because there isn’t a direct route.

Even limited seasonal service between Tampa and Italy could be a major success. Tampa Bay deserves more global connectivity, and the demand is there.