Rome becomes Alaska Airlines’ first European route, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s international expansion. Starting in May 2026, travelers will be able to fly nonstop from Seattle to Rome, Italy, for the first time in history.
This new service connects the Pacific Northwest directly to the heart of Europe, offering a convenient and efficient travel option for both leisure and business passengers.
Expanding Horizons: Alaska Airlines’ Strategic Move
Alaska Airlines’ decision to launch a nonstop flight from Seattle to Rome is part of its broader strategy to enhance its global presence. The airline has been steadily expanding its international network, with recent additions including nonstop flights to Tokyo and upcoming service to Seoul. The Rome route represents Alaska Airlines’ first transatlantic venture, signaling its commitment to becoming a major player in international air travel.
According to Ben Minicucci, CEO of Alaska Airlines, “Serving Rome nonstop from Seattle is a dream come true. As an Italian American whose parents emigrated from Italy, this is a particularly meaningful addition to our network. Rome has been at the top of the list ever since we announced our new global gateway out of Seattle. Our guests have been asking for an easy way to get to Italy for years, and we’re thrilled to provide it to people in the Northwest and beyond. Andiamo – let’s go!”
Flight Details and Schedule
The new Seattle-Rome route will be operated using a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, offering passengers a comfortable and modern flying experience. The flight schedule is as follows:
| City Pair | Departure | Arrival | Frequency | Aircraft |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle – Rome | 6:00 p.m. | 1:45 p.m. +1 | Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun | Boeing 787-9 |
| Rome – Seattle | 3:45 p.m. | 6:00 p.m. | Mon, Tue, Thu, Sat | Boeing 787-9 |
All times are local, and the schedule is subject to change. Tickets for the new route will be available for purchase in the fall of 2025. Interested travelers can sign up for early access notifications at alaskaair.com/rome.
Rome: A Gateway to Europe
Rome, known as the “Eternal City,” is not only a popular tourist destination but also a strategic gateway to Central and Southern Europe. Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino International Airport (FCO) offers convenient connections to major Italian cities such as Milan, Venice, Florence, Naples, Catania, and Palermo. Additionally, Rome’s Civitavecchia port is the second-largest cruise port in Europe, providing access to the Mediterranean region.
Rome has recently undergone a citywide renovation in anticipation of the 2025 Jubilee Year, a significant event in the Catholic Church. Many tourist attractions and historical sites have been refreshed, ready to welcome the millions of visitors expected to visit Rome this year.
Enhanced Airport Experience at FCO
Fiumicino International Airport is undergoing a significant expansion and modernization effort, fueled by an investment of 9 billion euros. As one of only a dozen SkyTrax 5-Star hub airports worldwide, FCO continues to innovate to ensure a continuous improvement of the services offered to its customers. U.S. and Canadian nationals can benefit from electronic passport controls through e-gates, allowing for an expedited arrival process.
Ivan Bassato, Chief Aviation Officer at Aeroporti di Roma, stated, “We are immensely proud that Alaska Airlines has chosen Rome as its first destination in Europe. This decision confirms the strategic relevance of our airport as a global hub for air connectivity. For the first time in history, Italy will be directly connected to Seattle, further strengthening ties with the U.S. West Coast and the broader Pacific region.
Seattle: Alaska Airlines’ Global Gateway
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) serves as Alaska Airlines’ primary hub, already the largest airline hub on the West Coast. With 104 nonstop destinations across North America, SEA is now expanding its reach globally. The addition of Rome as a destination enhances SEA’s status as a premier global gateway, providing improved one-stop connectivity for guests along the West Coast and Hawaiʻi.
This expansion aligns with Alaska Airlines’ “Alaska Accelerate” strategic plan, aiming to deliver $1 billion in incremental profit following the combination with Hawaiian Airlines. The Rome route will be the third widebody international route served out of Alaska’s global gateway in Seattle, following Tokyo Narita and Seoul Incheon.
