Key Takeaways
• Alaska Airlines launches Seattle–Rome nonstop route in May 2026 with four weekly Boeing 787-9 flights.
• Route meets demand with nearly 44,000 passengers flying between Seattle and Rome in 2024 without direct flights.
• This marks Alaska’s first European service, using Boeing 787-9 acquired from Hawaiian Airlines merger.
Alaska Airlines’ First European Route: Seattle–Rome – What It Means for Travelers, the Airline, and the Region
Alaska Airlines has made a major announcement that marks a new chapter in its history: the launch of its first-ever European route, connecting Seattle and Rome. This new service is set to begin in May 2026, with four weekly flights using the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. The decision is not just about adding a new destination—it’s a strategic move that could change how people travel between the Pacific Northwest and Europe, and it has important implications for travelers, the airline, and the Seattle region.
Let’s break down what this means, why it matters, and how it will work, using simple language and clear explanations.
Alaska Airlines’ Big Move: The Basics
Who?
Alaska Airlines, a major carrier based in the United States 🇺🇸, is behind this new route. The airline is known for its strong presence on the West Coast, especially in Seattle.
What?
A new nonstop flight between Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO), Italy 🇮🇹. This is Alaska Airlines’ first route to Europe.
When?
– Announcement: June 3, 2025
– First Flight: May 2026
– Ticket Sales Open: Autumn 2025
Where?
– Departure: Seattle, United States 🇺🇸
– Arrival: Rome, Italy 🇮🇹
How?
The flights will be operated with the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, a long-range, widebody aircraft. Alaska Airlines gained access to these planes through its merger with Hawaiian Airlines in 2024.
Why?
– Rome is the largest unserved European market from Seattle, with nearly 44,000 travelers flying between the two cities in 2024.
– Alaska Airlines wants to expand internationally and make Seattle a major global gateway.
– Customers have been asking for a direct route to Italy for years.
Why This Route Matters
For Travelers
Direct, Nonstop Service
Until now, people traveling from Seattle to Rome had to make at least one stop, often in another U.S. or European city. This new route will save time, reduce hassle, and make trips between the Pacific Northwest and Italy much easier.
Convenient Schedule
– Seattle to Rome: Leaves at 6:00 pm, arrives at 1:45 pm the next day (local time) on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.
– Rome to Seattle: Leaves at 3:45 pm, arrives at 6:00 pm the same day (local time) on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
Loyalty Program Benefits
Alaska’s Mileage Plan members have been asking for this route. Now, they can earn and use miles on a direct flight to one of Europe’s most popular cities.
For Alaska Airlines
Entering the Transatlantic Market
This is Alaska Airlines’ first step into Europe, made possible by the addition of the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner to its fleet. Before merging with Hawaiian Airlines, Alaska only had smaller planes that couldn’t fly such long distances.
Strategic Growth
The airline’s goal is to serve at least 12 long-haul international destinations from Seattle by 2030. This Rome route is the first big move in that plan.
Competitive Edge
By choosing Rome, Alaska avoids direct competition with other airlines that already fly nonstop from Seattle to London, Paris, or Amsterdam. Rome is a unique, high-demand market with no current nonstop service from Seattle.
For Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
Boosting International Profile
This is the first-ever nonstop flight from Seattle to Italy. The Port of Seattle, which runs the airport, says this will make SEA a more important international hub.
Economic Impact
More international flights mean more visitors, more business, and more jobs for the region.
How the Route Will Be Launched: Step by Step
- FAA Certification
Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines are working to get a single operating certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This is expected in autumn 2025 and is needed so Alaska can fly the Boeing 787-9s under its own brand. - Fleet Integration
Alaska will use three Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners from Hawaiian Airlines for the Rome route. The airline also has nine more of these planes on order, which will help with future international expansion. -
Ticket Sales
Tickets for the Seattle–Rome route will go on sale in autumn 2025, giving travelers plenty of time to plan their trips for the 2026 launch. -
Route Launch
The first flight is scheduled for May 2026, with four flights each week in both directions.
Why Rome? The Strategic Rationale
Strong Market Demand
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, nearly 44,000 people traveled between Seattle and Rome in 2024, making it the largest unserved European market from Seattle. This means there is a clear need for a direct flight.
Customer Requests
Alaska Airlines’ loyalty program members have repeatedly named Rome as their most-wanted European destination.
Less Competition
Other major European cities like London and Paris already have nonstop service from Seattle, mostly by Delta and its partners. By choosing Rome, Alaska avoids fighting for customers in a crowded market.
Test Case for Expansion
This route will help Alaska Airlines learn what works and what doesn’t in the long-haul international market. If it’s successful, the airline can use this experience to launch more routes to Europe and Asia.
What the Experts and Stakeholders Say
Alaska Airlines’ CEO Ben Minicucci:
“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. 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.”
Port of Seattle:
The airport authority welcomed the announcement, calling it a major boost for Seattle’s international connections and the first direct link to Italy.
Travelers:
People in the Pacific Northwest now have a much easier way to visit Italy for tourism, business, or to see family. This is especially important for the region’s Italian-American community and for students, workers, and tourists who want a direct route.
Competitors:
Delta and several European airlines already fly from Seattle to London, Paris, and Amsterdam. Alaska’s move to Rome avoids direct competition and fills a gap in the market.
Background: How Did We Get Here?
Alaska Airlines’ History
Before the merger with Hawaiian Airlines, Alaska focused on domestic and short international routes, mostly within North America. The airline did not have any planes capable of flying long distances across the Atlantic or Pacific.
The Hawaiian Merger
In 2024, Alaska Airlines merged with Hawaiian Airlines. This deal brought three Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners into Alaska’s fleet, with nine more on order. These planes can fly much farther than Alaska’s older jets, making routes like Seattle–Rome possible.
Strategic Plan
Alaska Airlines has a goal to make Seattle the top global gateway on the West Coast. The airline wants to add at least 12 long-haul international destinations by 2030, including cities in Europe and Asia.
What Does This Mean for Immigration and Travel?
Easier Access for Visitors
A nonstop flight between Seattle and Rome will make it much easier for people to travel between the United States 🇺🇸 and Italy 🇮🇹. This is good news for tourists, business travelers, students, and families.
Visa and Entry Requirements
Travelers will still need to follow all immigration rules for the country they are visiting. For example:
– U.S. Citizens: Can visit Italy for up to 90 days without a visa for tourism or business, but must have a valid passport.
– Italian Citizens: Need a valid passport and, starting in 2025, may need to apply for an ETIAS travel authorization to visit the United States 🇺🇸 for short stays. For more details, travelers can check the U.S. Department of State’s travel page.
Impact on Students and Workers
The new route will make it easier for students from the Pacific Northwest to study abroad in Italy and for Italian students to come to the United States 🇺🇸. It will also help workers and businesspeople who need to travel between the two countries.
Tourism and Cultural Exchange
Direct flights often lead to more tourism and stronger cultural ties. People from both countries will find it easier to visit each other, which can help with business, education, and family connections.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Alaska Airlines?
More Long-Haul Routes
The Seattle–Rome route is just the beginning. Alaska Airlines plans to add more long-distance flights from Seattle, including possible routes to London, Paris, Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Manila, and New Delhi.
Fleet Expansion
With nine more Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners on order, Alaska will have the planes it needs to keep growing its international network.
Seattle as a Global Gateway
Alaska’s strategy is to make Seattle the top airport for international travel on the West Coast. This will bring more choices for travelers and more business for the region.
Practical Tips for Travelers
- Booking: Tickets for the Seattle–Rome route will go on sale in autumn 2025. Travelers should watch Alaska Airlines’ website for updates.
- Travel Documents: Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months after your planned return date. Check visa requirements before booking.
- Loyalty Points: Alaska Mileage Plan members can earn and use miles on this new route.
- Flight Comfort: The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner is known for its quiet cabin, larger windows, and better air quality, making long flights more comfortable.
Official Contacts and Resources
- Alaska Airlines:
- Seattle-Tacoma International Airport:
For up-to-date information on travel requirements and visas, visit the U.S. Department of State’s travel page.
Summary: Does the Seattle–Rome Route Make Sense?
Yes, it does.
– There is strong demand for a direct flight between Seattle and Rome.
– Alaska Airlines now has the right planes, thanks to its merger with Hawaiian Airlines and the addition of the Boeing 787-9.
– The route avoids direct competition and fills a gap in the market.
– It supports Alaska’s plan to make Seattle a top global gateway.
– Travelers, students, and businesspeople will all benefit from the new service.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, industry experts see this as a smart, well-timed move that could lead to even more international routes from Alaska Airlines in the future. For travelers in the Pacific Northwest, this means more choices, easier trips, and new opportunities to connect with Europe and beyond.
Action Steps for Readers:
– If you plan to travel between Seattle and Rome, keep an eye out for ticket sales in autumn 2025.
– Make sure your travel documents are up to date and check visa requirements.
– Consider joining Alaska’s Mileage Plan to earn points on the new route.
– Watch for more announcements as Alaska Airlines continues to expand its international network.
This new route is more than just a flight—it’s a bridge between two regions, opening doors for travel, business, and cultural exchange.
Learn Today
Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner → A long-range, fuel-efficient, widebody aircraft designed for comfortable international flights.
Nonstop Flight → A flight that travels between two destinations without any intermediate stops.
FAA Certification → Approval from the Federal Aviation Administration required for operating aircraft under new conditions.
Mileage Plan → Alaska Airlines’ loyalty program allowing members to earn and redeem points on flights.
Transatlantic Market → Flight routes and services crossing the Atlantic Ocean connecting North America and Europe.
This Article in a Nutshell
Alaska Airlines announces its first European route: Seattle to Rome nonstop starting May 2026. Using Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, four weekly flights will connect Seattle and Rome, enhancing travel convenience. This strategic expansion opens new opportunities for passengers, boosts Seattle’s global connectivity, and positions Alaska Airlines competitively in international markets.
— By VisaVerge.com
