Persons wishing to catch a direct fight from Accra to Rome, Italy  might now have to look for other options.

The national carrier of Italy, Alitalia has suspended  direct flights to Accra. Its final  flight out of the country was last Friday. 

The airline is said to have done this because of rising cost operations, which has been compounded by the  high prices of Aviation fuel and Airport taxes  in Accra.

For some,  the development is worrying as this is second time an airline has cited high  cost of  operating from Kotoka  as reasons for cancelling its services  to the  country.

 Alitalia's exit brings the total number of airlines that have stopped services to Accra  in recent times to about  four - the other three being United Airlines, Virgin Atlantic and Brussels Airlines.

However,  sources close to the Airport company say Alitalia's decision to pull out has nothing to do  with the cost of operating from Kotota.

The sources attribute the decision by Alitalia to its new owner Etihad Airlines.

Etihad Airlines is said to be reviewing its operations in Africa. Alitalia is also said to pull out of Lagos Nigeria as well .