Historic Expansion: Alaska Airlines Launches Rome Flights on April 28
Alaska Airlines is poised to make aviation history on April 28, 2026, as it launches its first-ever nonstop flights to Europe. This will connect Seattle-Tacoma International Airport with Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino International Airport. This inaugural service marks a significant milestone for the 93-year-old carrier, which has never before operated transatlantic flights.
The new route will operate daily throughout the summer season on the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. The aircraft features 34 business class suites and 266 economy seats. Introductory fares start at a competitive $599 roundtrip, marking a competitive entry into the lucrative West Coast to Europe market. Flight AS180 departs Seattle at 5:30 PM, arriving in Rome at 1:15 PM the following day.
“Serving Rome nonstop from Seattle is a dream come true,” said Alaska Airlines CEO Ben Minicucci, an Italian American whose parents emigrated from Italy. “Our guests have been asking for an easy way to get to Italy for years, and we’re thrilled to provide it to people in the Northwest and beyond.”
The Rome launch is part of Alaska’s broader European expansion strategy. This includes:
- Upcoming daily year-round service to London Heathrow starting May 21
- Seasonal flights to Reykjavik, Iceland, beginning May 28, 2026
The airline acquired its 787 fleet through its 2024 merger with Hawaiian Airlines, enabling this transatlantic capability.
Source: Alaska Airlines News