Alaska Airlines announced plans to debut its first-ever trans-Atlantic route next year.
Starting in May 2026, the airline will add flights between Seattle and Rome. This new route marks the first direct connection for any airline between Seattle and Italy.
The new route will operate four times per week on a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. Unlike the airline’s other long-haul routes, this route will be operated by Alaska and not Hawaiian, the carrier said, “with the expected single operating certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) this fall.”
Alaska-operated 787s will also feature “a new global experience,” the airline shared in a news release.
Long-Haul Growth
This addition follows the airline’s recent international expansions from its Seattle hub, including the launch of nonstop flights to Tokyo Narita last month and the planned service to Seoul Incheon starting in September 2025.
By 2030, the airline intends to add at least 12 long-haul destinations from Seattle.
“Serving Rome nonstop from Seattle is a dream come true,” said Alaska CEO Ben Minicucci in the release. “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.”
Tickets for the service will be available for purchase in fall 2025.
