United Introduces Nonstop Flights from Denver to Rome
The airline is launching new nonstop flights to Rome and will introduce Magnolia Bakery’s iconic Banana Pudding onboard
Photo: United Airlines. Courtesy of Denver International Airport.
United Airlines has announced the launch of Denver International Airport’s (DEN) first-ever nonstop service to Rome, Italy.
Beginning on May 1, 2025, travelers can fly directly to Italy’s Rome–Fiumicino (FCO) from Denver. This new route represents a major advancement in the city’s international aviation offerings, enhancing connectivity for both leisure and business travelers.
Photo: Rome, Italy. Courtesy of Carlos Ibáñez / Unsplash
The seasonal service will be operated with United’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. The direct flight will be available every day until September 24, making it easier to explore Italy’s rich culture, history, and cuisine.
Untapped Market
This new route represents a response to a glaring gap in Denver’s international connectivity. United says that over 60,000 passengers traveled between Denver and Rome in 2024, reflecting a 30 percent surge from the previous year.
Italy is the fourth most popular international destination for Denver-based travelers, trailing only Mexico, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
Photo: United Airlines. Courtesy of Denver International Airport.
“United’s continued commitment to delivering an exceptional travel experience in Denver is underscored by these new routes and the nearly $1 billion in investments we have made to enhance the customer experience and bring greater convenience,” said Jonna McGrath, Vice President of United’s Denver hub.
More Denver Flights
United’s expansion isn’t limited to Rome. The airline also announced seven new Denver destinations, enhancing domestic and Canadian connectivity.
Graphic: Courtesy of greatcirclemap.com / Markus Englund
“As Denver’s hometown airline, we’re proud to offer more destinations than any other carrier, giving Colorado residents and travelers passing through Denver unmatched flexibility and options to explore the destinations they want to visit most.”
According to United, the new routes from Denver include:
| Destination from Denver | Frequency | Type | Effective Dates for 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rome, Italy (FCO) | 1x Daily | Seasonal | May 1 - September 24 |
| Buffalo, New York (BUF) | 1x Daily | Year-round | Starting May 22 |
| Pensacola, Florida (PNS) | 1x Daily | Seasonal | May 22 - August 18 |
| North Bend, Oregon (OTH) | 1x Daily | Seasonal | May 22 - October 25 |
| Peoria, Illinois (PIA) | 1x Daily | Year-round | Starting March 30 |
| Redding, California (RDD) | 1x Daily | Year-round | Starting May 22 |
| Regina, Saskatchewan (YQR) | 1x Daily | Year-round | Starting May 15 |
| Wilmington, North Carolina (ILM) | 1x Saturdays | Seasonal | May 24 - August 16 |
Massive Summer Schedule
United is set to roll out significant expansions between late March and Memorial Day 2025, just in time for the airline’s busy summer schedule. This will be an unprecedented expansion as the carrier prepares to launch service to eight new international cities across three continents.
With destinations that range from the untamed landscapes of Mongolia to the historic streets of Italy and the sunny shores of Portugal, United is on track to introduce its largest and most surprising international schedule to date.
Graphic: Courtesy of greatcirclemap.com / Markus Englund
From Denver, travelers will have nonstop access to over 220 destinations, which includes 32 international cities across 18 countries. Notable international connections from Denver will include Istanbul, Dublin, London, Paris, Zurich, Reykjavik, Tokyo, and a dozen destinations in Mexico and Central America.
Magnolia Bakery Takes to the Skies
In a separate sweet announcement, United has teamed up with Magnolia Bakery to bring their beloved Banana Pudding to select flights. This collaboration is a first for commercial airlines, allowing passengers to enjoy this dessert, complete with Wafer Cookie Bits, served in 3-ounce cups in United First cabins on flights over 901 miles.
Photo: Courtesy of United
“The only thing more iconic than Magnolia Bakery’s Banana Pudding is enjoying that pudding at 30,000 feet in United First – we know our customers are going to love it,” said Aaron McMillan, United’s Managing Director of Hospitality Programs.
Bobbie Lloyd, Magnolia Bakery’s CEO, and Chief Baking Officer, echoed the excitement: “As an avid traveler and baker, I know what an important role food can play in your travels, which is why I’m so excited to bring this new, innovative product to thousands of adventurers each year.”
This partnership is also part of Magnolia Bakery’s broader ambition to expand its footprint beyond New York, with recent ventures including its first location at LaGuardia Airport and exclusive partnerships with DoorDash and Amazon Fresh.
