Alaska Airlines is continuing to build up its long-haul network after its purchase of Hawaiian Airlines. The combined carrier is using Airbus A330 and Boeing 787 aircraft to add new destinations from its new global gateway at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). Earlier this year the carrier announced service to Fiumicino Airport (FCO) in Rome which is scheduled to begin in 2026. Now, there is an update to that service.
Alaska Airlines will Fly Between Seattle and Rome Beginning in 2026
As of April 28, 2026, Alaska Airlines will launch daily, seasonal flights between Seattle and Rome. THis is a big development as the service was originally scheduled to launch in May 2026 and operate 4x weekly. Alaska must be seeing a ton of demand on this route to justify the move to daily service.
According to the airline, Rome is consistently among the most-requested destinations for Mileage Plan members. Ben Minicucci, CEO of Alaska Airlines, had this to say about the new route:
“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. 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. Andiamo – let’s go!”
The 5,688 mile flight is blocked at 10h 45m eastbound and 11h 20m westbound. The flights will operate on the following schedule:
| Flight | Departs | Arrives |
|---|---|---|
| AS 180 (SEA-FCO) | 5:30p | 1:15p (+1) |
| AS 181 (FCO-SEA) | 3:25p | 5:45p |
Alaska Airlines will utilize Boeing 787-9 aircraft on the route which features 34 Business Class and 266 Economy seats. Alaska is currently in the process of transferring the 787 fleet from Hawaiian Airlines which will be repainted into an updated livery.
Alaska is Growing Its Seattle Hub
When flights to Rome launch next year, it will be the third long-haul, international, flight from Alaska in Seattle. It joins Tokyo-Narita (NRT), which launched on May 12, and Seoul (ICN), which began service on Sept. 12.
Somewhat surprisingly, this will be the first time Rome and Seattle will be connected by a direct flight. Given Delta’s hub in Seattle and it’s former partnership with ITA Airways (the successor to Alitalia), I incorrectly assumed that this route had operated in the past.
That being said, Delta is working hard to protect its position as Seattle’s global carrier. The Atlanta based airline announced it would fly between Seattle and Rome shortly after Alaska announced its route.
Since the Seattle-Rome route was first announced. Alaska Airlines has also announced plans to serve London Heathrow (LHR) and Keflavik International Airport (KEF) in Reykjavik, Iceland for 2026. The London service will also be operated by a 787 while the Reykjavik route will be on a Boeing 737-8.
Summary
Alaska Airlines has upgraded its Seattle to Rome route to daily service, an increase from 4x weekly, before flights even begin. Alaska will be competing directly with Delta on the route as the two fight for international supremacy from Seattle.