Alaska Airlines Launches Historic First Route to Europe with Seattle-Rome Service

Alaska Airlines launched its inaugural nonstop flight from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to Rome Fiumicino Airport on April 28, 2026, marking the carrier's first-ever route to continental Europe. The service operates daily through Oct. 23, 2026, using Boeing 787-9 aircraft on the 5,673-mile route. Initially planned as four-times-weekly service, frequency was upgraded to daily due to strong demand.

Westbound flights depart Rome at 3:25 p.m., arriving in Seattle at 5:45 p.m., while eastbound flights leave Seattle at 6 p.m., arriving in Rome the following day at 1:25 p.m. The airline will expand its European footprint with Seattle-London Heathrow service starting May 21 and Seattle-Reykjavik service beginning May 28. This schedule positions Seattle as a key Pacific gateway with improved Hawaii-Europe connectivity.

Following its acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, Alaska plans at least 12 international routes from Seattle by decade's end, with Asia services now operating under Alaska branding. The carrier described the launch as a major milestone reinforcing its role as a global airline, highlighting Seattle's attractions for Italian travelers.