History was made on 28APR26, when Alaska Airlines launched “the first-ever direct connection between the Emerald City and the Eternal City” – in other words, connecting Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) with a first‑ever nonstop flight. The service, part of the airline’s expansion strategy into Europe, will run daily until 23OCT26. It departs Seattle at 17:30, and lands in Rome at 13:15, on the way out. Coming back, it leaves Rome at 15:25, and arrives in Seattle at 17:45, enabling easy connections to the Hawaiian Islands. The timings are good on both ends for efficient freight forwarding therefore offers interesting cargo opportunities – an area that Alaska Airlines is focused on developing further. “Beginning 28APR26, Alaska will become the first U.S. passenger airline to offer daily nonstop cargo service between Seattle and Rome, strengthening trade connections between the Pacific Northwest and Italy and expanding the airline’s cargo network to 109 destinations worldwide,” the release emphasizes.
Ben Minicucci, CEO of Alaska Air Group, said: “Launching our first flight to Europe is a significant step in executing our long-term growth strategy. Service to Rome […] strengthens Seattle’s role as a global gateway and is made possible by our people who deliver safety, care and performance with every flight. Andiamo!” Ivan Bassato, Chief Aviation Officer of Aeroporti di Roma, stated: “We are pleased to welcome Alaska Airlines to Rome Fiumicino, marking an important milestone as the airline launches its first European destination. This new nonstop service to Seattle, the first-ever scheduled connection between the two cities, strengthens our position as a leading gateway between Europe and North America, particularly to the U.S. Pacific region. The route reflects our continued focus on growing high-value intercontinental connectivity that supports economic development, benefits local communities and enhances the competitiveness of Italy’s national economy.”
