Delta Adds Rome and Barcelona Flights from Seattle

Delta Air Lines is strengthening its transatlantic network from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport with the addition of nonstop flights to Rome and Barcelona in summer 2026. The move comes as a direct response to Alaska Airlines’ entry into long-haul European service, following its acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines and access to widebody aircraft.

Delta’s new service to Rome Fiumicino Airport will launch on May 6, 2026, operating four times per week. A day later, the airline will begin three weekly flights to Barcelona El Prat Airport. Both routes will be flown with Airbus A330-900 aircraft. These additions will expand Delta’s European footprint from Seattle to five destinations, building on existing flights to Amsterdam, Paris, and London Heathrow.

The announcement aligns with Delta’s broader investment in its Seattle hub. The airline is planning a new Delta One Lounge spanning 24,000 square feet, along with a renovated Delta Sky Club. It has also signed a long-term lease agreement providing it with priority access to 18 gates across Concourses A and B. Delta currently offers more than 4.6 million departure seats from Seattle, a 1% increase compared to the previous year.

Delta’s transatlantic growth comes at a time of heightened competition at SEA. Alaska Airlines will launch its first-ever Europe service to Rome in May 2026 using Boeing 787-9 aircraft. Both carriers aim to tap into high-demand unserved markets, with Seattle–Rome generating nearly 44,000 two-way passengers in 2024, making it the largest unserved European city from Seattle according to Sabre data.

Barcelona ranked second among unserved European destinations from SEA, with about 39,100 two-way passengers last year. By targeting these high-demand routes, Delta is reinforcing its position as a leading international carrier from the Pacific Northwest, while also pressuring Alaska to reveal any broader ambitions in the transatlantic space beyond its initial Rome service.

Port of Seattle officials have welcomed Delta’s expansion, citing the economic and cultural benefits of increased international connectivity. With its premium product offerings and infrastructure upgrades, Delta is positioning Seattle as a strategic West Coast gateway for both Europe and Asia. The new flights are expected to cater to a mix of leisure and business travelers, including demand from Seattle’s growing tech and corporate sectors.

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