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). The latest announcement will see the airline fly to Fiumicino Airport (FCO) in Rome beginning next year.
Alaska Airlines will Fly Between Seattle and Rome Beginning in 2026
According to the press release, Alaska Airlines plans to put the route on sale sometime this fall with flights launching in May 2026. 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 flight will operate 4x weekly, traveling eastbound on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Westbound trips will occur on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays on the following schedule:
| Flight | Departs | Arrives |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle-Rome | 6:00p | 1:45p (+1) |
| Rome-Seattle | 3:45p | 6:00p |
Alaska Airlines will utilize Boeing 787-9 aircraft on the route which features 34 Business Class and 266 Economy seats. For travelers who want to be notified when flights go on sale, Alaska Airlines has a special link where travelers can register their interest.
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 begins 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, I could see Delta look at adding a flight between Seattle and Rome though, historically, the carrier has operated more service to Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) in the northern part of the country. Delta and Alaska currently compete head-to-head on Alaska’s other two long-haul routes from Seattle.
Summary
Alaska Airlines has just announced its third long-haul, international, destination from its growing Seattle hub. The airline will fly to Rome 4x weekly beginning in May 2026 using Boeing 787-9 aircraft. It will be interesting to see if Delta decides to add a Rome flight or if it is content ceding this route to Alaska.
