Alaska Airlines Launches First-Ever Seattle to Rome Nonstop

Alaska Airlines has made history, launching the first-ever nonstop flight between Seattle and Rome on April 28 — marking the carrier's official entry into the European market and a landmark moment in its evolution as a global airline.

The seasonal daily service connects Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) with Rome's Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino Airport (FCO) and runs through October 23. Westbound flights depart Seattle at 5:30 p.m., arriving in Rome at 1:15 p.m. local time — leaving passengers with a full afternoon to start exploring the Italian capital. The return departs Rome at 3:25 p.m. and touches down in Seattle at 5:45 p.m.

The launch comes alongside the debut of Alaska's new international business class Suites product, timed deliberately to coincide with the Rome service as the airline lifts its premium onboard offering to match its expanding international ambitions.

Beyond connecting the Pacific Northwest to Italy, the route also creates a practical one-stop link between Hawaii and Europe via Seattle — opening a new gateway for Hawaiian travellers heading to the continent and for European visitors looking to reach the islands.

The cargo angle is significant too. From April 28, Alaska becomes the first US passenger airline to offer daily nonstop cargo service between Seattle and Rome, expanding its cargo network to 109 destinations worldwide and strengthening trade ties between the Pacific Northwest and Italy.

Alaska Airlines CEO Ben Minicucci called the launch a major step in the airline's long-term growth strategy, while Port of Seattle Commission President Ryan Calkins highlighted Rome as one of the largest previously unserved markets from Seattle for both leisure and business travellers.