Alaska Airlines to Launch Seattle–Rome Flights in 2026
Alaska Airlines has announced its first-ever route to Europe, unveiling plans to launch nonstop service between Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino Airport (FCO) starting May 2026. The new route marks a major milestone for the carrier, expanding its global reach and tapping into long-haul international travel following its merger with Hawaiian Airlines.
This Seattle–Rome connection will operate four times a week, departing SEA on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays at 6 p.m. and arriving in Rome at 1:45 p.m. the next day. Return flights will depart FCO on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 3:45 p.m., landing in Seattle at 6 p.m. local time. Alaska Airlines will operate the route with Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, aircraft gained through its acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines in September 2024.
The new service positions Alaska Airlines to compete more aggressively in the international market, particularly from its Seattle hub. CEO Ben Minicucci highlighted the significance of the move, noting that Rome has long been a top request from travelers in the Pacific Northwest seeking direct access to Italy’s historic capital.
This will be the third wide-body international route out of Seattle for the Alaska Air Group, joining flights to Tokyo Narita (launched May 2025) and Seoul Incheon (starting September 2025), both operated by Hawaiian Airlines. However, the Rome flight will be the debut of Alaska’s own use of the Boeing 787 and its new flagship international product.
Currently, no airline operates nonstop flights between Seattle and Rome. With Delta Air Lines already serving nonstop routes from Seattle to Amsterdam, London, and Paris, industry experts suggest a competitive response may follow. Bookings for the Rome route will open this fall on both alaskaair.com and hawaiianairlines.com, with early access available for travelers who sign up online.
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