SEATTLE- Alaska Airlines (AS) has announced its first nonstop service to Europe with direct flights from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino International Airport (FCO).
This historic launch marks the first time the Emerald City is directly connected to the Eternal City, offering passengers along the U.S. West Coast new access to one of Europe’s most requested destinations.
Photo: Alaska AirlinesAlaska Airlines Seattle to Rome Flights
Alaska Airlines’ new Seattle–Rome route underscores its strategy to position Seattle (SEA) as a major transpacific and transatlantic hub. Beginning this fall, the route will operate four times weekly using Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, recently added to Alaska’s long-haul fleet.
The aircraft will be flown by Alaska Airlines (AS), following its integration with Hawaiian Airlines under the “Alaska Accelerate” strategic plan.
The airline’s decision to launch service to Rome (FCO) follows growing demand from Mileage Plan members and leisure travelers alike, particularly from the Pacific Northwest. Rome ranked as Seattle’s most popular unserved European city prior to this announcement.
Flight Schedule (All times local):
- SEA to FCO: Departs 6:00 p.m. – Arrives 1:45 p.m. next day (Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun)
- FCO to SEA: Departs 3:45 p.m. – Arrives 6:00 p.m. (Mon, Tue, Thu, Sat)
Flights are scheduled to begin after the airline receives its single operating certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) this fall.
Colosseum, Rome; Photo- WikipediaRome becomes Alaska’s third widebody international destination from Seattle, following new service to Tokyo Narita (NRT) launched May 12 and Seoul Incheon (ICN) starting September 12. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) already serves 104 nonstop North American destinations and is Alaska Airlines’ largest hub.
This Rome addition enables convenient one-stop access from cities throughout the West Coast and Hawaiʻi. Travelers can register at alaskaair.com/rome for early access to booking when flights become available.
The expansion aligns with Alaska’s long-term plan to generate $1 billion in incremental profit by increasing international connectivity and leveraging synergies from its Hawaiian Airlines acquisition.
Rome Fiumicino Airport; Photo- philip.mallis | Flickr
Rome’s Global Role and Regional Access
Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino International Airport (FCO) serves over 230 destinations across 80 countries, making it a strategic entry point to Southern and Central Europe. The city also hosts Civitavecchia, Europe’s second-largest cruise port.
The Rome–Seattle service benefits travelers heading to Italian cities like Venice, Naples, Milan, and Florence. The timing of this launch coincides with Rome’s extensive citywide restoration ahead of the 2025 Jubilee Year, enhancing its tourism infrastructure and visitor experience.
FCO is one of just a dozen Skytrax 5-Star hub airports worldwide. A €9 billion investment in terminal upgrades, biometric systems, and guest services has transformed the airport into a standout facility among European gateways. U.S. and Canadian citizens benefit from expedited e-gate passport control upon arrival.
Aeroporti di Roma’s leadership praised the Alaska Airlines route as validation of FCO’s growing transatlantic importance, with Chief Aviation Officer Ivan Bassato emphasizing the strategic connectivity boost between Italy and the U.S. West Coast.
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