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When in Rome, Think Alaska

Alaska Airlines plans new direct route to Rome, starting next May

By Seattle Mag June 4, 2025

A commercial airplane, hinting at Alaska Airlines' new direct route to Rome starting next May, flies low over an ancient Roman amphitheater against a bright blue sky dotted with scattered clouds.
Image by Vivian Lai

Traveling from the Emerald City to the Eternal City will soon become much more convenient.

Alaska Airlines will launch a direct flight from Sea-Tac International Airport to Rome in May 2026. It’s the first time ever that Seattle travelers can reach Rome via a nonstop flight. The route will operate four times a week. Fares go on sale this fall.

“As an Italian American whose parents emigrated from Italy, this is a particularly meaningful addition to our network,” says Alaska Airlines CEO Ben Minicucci. “ Our guests have been asking for an easy way to get to Italy for years.”

Alaska says Rome is the most popular destination currently not served nonstop from Seattle.

Rome will become the third direct international route Alaska offers out of Sea-Tac. The airline began service to Tokyo on May 12. Service to Seoul starts in September.

Alaska plans to offer a dozen direct international flights by 2030. It first announced its plans to create a global gateway late last year.

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