Alaska Airlines launched its first nonstop flight between Seattle and Rome on April 28, 2026, marking the carrier’s entry into Europe and adding the first scheduled direct service between the two cities.
The seasonal daily service connects Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) with Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) and will operate through October 23, 2026.
Alaska said the route gives Seattle travelers the only daily nonstop flight to Rome and opens a new one-stop connection between Hawaii and Europe through Seattle.
“Launching our first flight to Europe is a significant step in executing our long-term growth strategy,” Alaska Air Group CEO Ben Minicucci said. “Service to Rome expands how we connect our guests to the world, strengthens Seattle’s role as a global gateway and is made possible by our people who deliver safety, care and performance with every flight. Andiamo!”
Alaska Flight 180 departed Seattle at about 17:45 local time on April 28 and was scheduled to arrive in Rome at 13:15 local time on April 29. The return flight leaves Rome at 15:25 and arrives in Seattle at 17:45 local time.
Alaska Flight 180’s route to Rome was to take the 787 over far northern Canada and the southern tip of Greenland into UK airspace before transiting continental Europe over France to reach Italy. The total flight time was expected to be about 10.5 hours.
Alaska said the route also expands its cargo operation. Beginning April 28, the airline said it became the first US passenger carrier to offer daily nonstop cargo service between Seattle and Rome. The route brings Alaska’s cargo network to 109 destinations worldwide.
The Rome service is part of Alaska’s broader effort to turn Seattle into a larger international gateway following its combination with Hawaiian Airlines.
Alaska, Hawaiian and Horizon Air are subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group, which now positions itself as a global airline with hubs in Seattle, Honolulu, Portland, Anchorage, Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco.
The Seattle-Rome route is flown with a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner featuring Alaska’s new global livery and 34 international business class suites. Alaska recently introduced the suites product as part of its long-haul expansion across Asia and Europe.
The business class product includes multi-course dining, a Salt & Straw dessert cart, amenity kits with Salt & Stone products, and Filson bedding and pillows. Alaska said the suite is already offered for flying between Seattle and South Korea and will be offered on Seattle-London service when that year-round route begins on May 21.
The carrier also plans to bring the 787 back to Seattle-Tokyo service this fall.
Ryan Calkins, President of the Port of Seattle Commission, said the Rome service opens one of Seattle’s largest unserved markets.
“Creating this new link between Italy and the Pacific Northwest will allow travelers on both sides of the connection to explore our shared passions for cuisine, culture, and natural beauty,” Calkins said.
Alaska said its full 787-9 Dreamliner fleet will receive Starlink Wi-Fi this fall. Once complete, Alaska and Hawaiian will offer Starlink on all widebody aircraft, with full rollout across Alaska and Hawaiian fleets planned in 2027.
