Tuesday, June 3, 2025

Alaska Airlines is expanding its global reach by launching a new nonstop flight connecting Seattle, Washington, with Rome, Italy. This historic route will be the first direct link between the “Emerald City” and the “Eternal City,” opening new travel opportunities for both leisure and business passengers. The Rome service is set to become a vital addition to Alaska Airlines’ growing international network from its Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) hub, the largest on the West Coast.

Starting this fall, travelers can book nonstop flights to Rome via alaskaair.com and hawaiianairlines.com, enabling seamless planning for Italian vacations or European business trips. This new route caters to strong demand, as Rome is one of the most sought-after European destinations not currently served nonstop from Seattle. It also enhances connectivity for passengers traveling from other West Coast cities and Hawaii through one-stop itineraries.

The Rome flights will be operated on a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, delivering a modern and comfortable experience with advanced technology and passenger amenities. This expansion is part of Alaska Airlines’ broader strategic initiative, Alaska Accelerate, aiming to generate \$1 billion in incremental profit over three years following the merger with Hawaiian Airlines. Establishing Seattle as the premier West Coast gateway to international destinations is central to this vision. Rome joins Tokyo Narita and Seoul Incheon as the third widebody international route from Seattle, further solidifying the airport’s role as a global hub.

Situated in central Italy, Rome acts as a vital gateway to both Central and Southern Europe as well as the broader Mediterranean area. Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino International Airport (FCO) offers excellent connections to major Italian cities such as Milan, Venice, Florence, Naples, and Sicily’s top destinations including Catania and Palermo. Additionally, Rome’s Civitavecchia port ranks as Europe’s second-largest cruise terminal, providing access to a variety of Mediterranean cruise itineraries. With over 230 nonstop routes to 80 countries, FCO is a well-connected and efficient airport for onward travel.

Travelers arriving in Rome will discover a city steeped in centuries of history and vibrant culture. Renowned sites like the Colosseum, the Vatican, St. Peter’s Square, along with numerous quaint trattorias, offer endless opportunities for exploration and immersion. Ahead of the 2025 Jubilee Year, a major religious event attracting millions of visitors, the city has completed extensive renovations to refresh its historic sites and public spaces. This rejuvenation ensures that travelers will enjoy enhanced experiences while discovering the timeless appeal of Rome.

Fiumicino Airport delivers an exceptional experience that meets the demands of discerning travelers from around the globe. Currently undergoing a €9 billion modernization and expansion, FCO ranks among the few SkyTrax 5-Star airports globally. These upgrades focus on elevating customer service, streamlining passenger flow, and introducing innovative facilities. For U.S. and Canadian citizens, electronic passport controls via e-gates allow faster entry procedures, enabling travelers to begin their Italian adventures without delay.

On the return journey, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport will serve as a major connecting hub offering nonstop flights to 104 destinations across North America. This includes direct routes to key cities in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and convenient connections to the Hawaiian Islands. This network supports both inbound tourism to the Pacific Northwest and outbound travel from Italy and Europe, enhancing options for business, leisure, and cultural exchanges.

By inaugurating the nonstop Seattle-Rome route, Alaska Airlines significantly enhances transatlantic travel from the U.S. West Coast, delivering new convenience and choice to passengers. The combination of a cutting-edge aircraft, a rapidly growing global network, and world-class airport facilities positions this service as a competitive and attractive option for travelers seeking to explore Italy and beyond. This development marks a major milestone in Alaska Airlines’ ongoing commitment to expanding its international footprint and providing exceptional travel experiences from Seattle’s global gateway.