Alaska Airlines has just announced an exciting development for travelers in the Pacific Northwest - a new direct flight from Seattle to Rome, Italy, set to commence in May 2026. This venture marks the airline's foray into the European travel market, solidifying its global presence.

In a statement released on June 3, 2025, Alaska Airlines shared its vision of connecting Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) with Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino International Airport (FCO) in Rome. This historic route will offer passengers a convenient nonstop flight between the two cities, a first in history. CEO of Alaska Airlines, Ben Minicucci, expressed his personal connection to this milestone, stating, “As an Italian American whose parents emigrated from Italy, this is a particularly meaningful addition to our network.”

The airline plans to kick off operational flights in May 2026, pending the receipt of a single operating certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the fall of 2025. Passengers can look forward to traveling in style on the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, a aircraft that has been part of Alaska Airlines' fleet since the merger with Hawaiian Airlines in September 2024. The Seattle to Rome route is scheduled to operate four times a week, with flight days subject to potential adjustments.

Highlighting the significance of this new connection, Ivan Bassato, Chief Aviation Officer at Aeroporti di Roma, shared, “For the first time in history, Italy will be directly connected to Seattle, further strengthening ties with the US West Coast and the broader Pacific region.” Rome will join Tokyo Narita and Seoul as the third international widebody route from Alaska’s global gateway in Seattle.

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport boasts a status as the West Coast's largest airline hub, with 104 nonstop destinations across North America, including convenient routes to the Hawaiian Islands. The Alaska Airlines expansion to Rome reflects the airline's commitment to providing travelers with diverse and exciting flight options from its Seattle hub. Get ready to embark on a new adventure, direct from Seattle to the enchanting city of Rome.