Alaska Airlines Announces New Nonstop Route Between Seattle and Rome
Alaska Airlines has announced the launch of a new direct flight between Seattle and Rome, an unprecedented move that marks the first nonstop air connection between the “Emerald City” and the “Eternal City.” This new international service will begin in May 2026, with tickets available on both alaskaair.com and hawaiianairlines.com starting in fall 2025.
“Offering direct flights to Rome from Seattle is a dream come true. As an Italian-American, this destination holds a very special meaning for me,” said Ben Minicucci, CEO of Alaska Airlines. “Our passengers have been asking for an easy way to get to Italy for years. Now, we’ve made it happen. Andiamo—let’s go!”
Rome is the most popular European destination that lacked a nonstop flight from Seattle and one of the most requested by Mileage Plan members. This new route directly addresses that pent-up demand and reinforces the airline’s global strategy.
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Schedule and Frequency: Four Days a Week
The new service will operate four times a week with the following local times:
- Seattle → Rome
Departure: 6:00 p.m.
Arrival: 1:45 p.m. (+1 day)
Days: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday
- Rome → Seattle
Departure: 3:45 p.m.
Arrival: 6:00 p.m.
Days: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
Operations will be conducted using a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, which will be operated directly by Alaska Airlines once it receives the single operating certificate from the FAA, expected this fall.
Seattle: The New Gateway to the World
This route to Rome adds to Alaska Airlines’ growing international catalog from Seattle, which recently launched flights to Tokyo Narita (on May 12) and is scheduled to begin service to Seoul Incheon on September 12.
These routes are part of the “Alaska Accelerate” strategic plan, which aims to generate $1 billion in additional benefits following the merger with Hawaiian Airlines. According to the airline, this is part of transforming Seattle into the West Coast’s new premium global hub.
Currently, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is already Alaska Airlines’ largest operational base, with 104 direct destinations across North America. With the addition of Rome, the global network expands even further.
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