Delta Air Lines is continuing to expand in Seattle as it goes head to head against Alaska Airlines. The Atlanta based carrier announced two new international routes this week, one of which goes head to head against one of Alaska’s recently announced routes.
Delta Will Launch Flights to Barcelona (BCN) and Rome (FCO) from Seattle
Delta is expanding at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) next summer with the introduction of two new transatlantic routes. Beginning May 7, and running through October 22, Delta will launch 3x weekly service between Seattle and Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) in Barcelona, Spain.
The carrier also announced that it will launch 4x weekly service between Seattle and Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (FCO) in Rome. That service will operate between May 6 and October 23, 2026.
While schedules haven’t been released, we do know that Delta is expected to operate Airbus A330-900neo aircraft on both routes. Delta’s A330-900s are outfitted with 281 seats; 29 Delta One Business Class, 28 Premium Economy, 56 Comfort+, and 168 Economy seats.
Delta and Alaska Battle for Supremacy in Seattle
The launch of service to Rome isn’t a surprising one for me as that’s the exact same route Alaska announced it would operate earlier this month. Alaska will also fly that route 4x weekly using a Boeing 787-9 operated by Hawaiian Airlines. Hawaiian’s 787-9s feature 34 Business Class and 266 Economy seats onboard.
This is just the latest in an ever-evolving turf war between Delta and Alaska in Seattle. Not so long ago the two carriers were actually partners before Delta pushed in with a hub operation of its own. Delta has launched 28 new markets in Seattle over the past decade and operates nearly 180 peak-day departures to more than 60 destinations.
Until recently, with Alaska’s purchase of Hawaiian Airlines, the Seattle based carrier didn’t have the widebody aircraft necessary to compete with Delta in the market.
Now, with Alaska having access to Hawaiian’s A330s and 787-9s, it can put up a more formidable challenge to Delta though don’t expect things to slow down anytime soon. Delta just unveiled its new Delta One Lounge in Seattle, which caters to premium passengers, as part of its latest salvo.
Summary
Delta Air Lines is launching two new transatlantic routes from Seattle next summer, one of which goes head-to-head against Alaska Airlines. The two carriers are fighting for supremacy at the airport which is giving passengers more options when booking travel.