Alaska Airlines Launches First-Ever Flights to Europe

Carrier's historic transatlantic expansion begins with new nonstop service from Seattle to Rome, London, and Reykjavík.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 9:00pm

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A highly stylized, geometric illustration depicting the grand scale and sleek design of international air travel, with sweeping gradients and towering architectural forms, conveying the excitement and ambition of Alaska Airlines' new European routes.Alaska Airlines' ambitious transatlantic expansion will connect Seattle to the world in a bold, modern style.Seattle Today

After nearly a century of operating almost exclusively within North America, Alaska Airlines is weeks away from launching its first-ever flights to Europe. The carrier will begin daily nonstop service from Seattle to Rome on April 28, 2026, followed by new routes to London and Reykjavík in May. This milestone expansion is made possible by Alaska's acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines in 2024, which gave the airline widebody Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft capable of transatlantic flights.

Why it matters

Alaska's transatlantic debut marks a significant shift for the Pacific Northwest-based carrier, which has historically focused on domestic and Hawaii routes. The new European services will provide direct connectivity from Seattle to some of the most popular destinations for the airline's Mileage Plan members, while also positioning Seattle as a global gateway that is closer to 90% of the world's population than other major West Coast hubs.

The details

Alaska Airlines will operate its inaugural Seattle-Rome flight on April 28, 2026, using a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. The seasonal Rome service will run daily throughout the summer, with the last rotation scheduled for October 23. In May, the airline will also launch daily year-round service from Seattle to London Heathrow, as well as a seasonal Seattle-Reykjavík route operated by a Boeing 737 MAX 8. The new transatlantic routes have already prompted a competitive response, with Delta Air Lines adding four weekly Seattle-Rome flights starting May 6.

  • Alaska Airlines will operate its inaugural Seattle-Rome flight on April 28, 2026.
  • The Seattle-Rome service will run daily throughout the summer, with the last rotation scheduled for October 23, 2026.
  • Alaska's new Seattle-London Heathrow route will launch on May 21, 2026 and operate year-round.
  • The Seattle-Reykjavík route will begin on May 28, 2026 and run seasonally until September 7, 2026.

The players

Alaska Airlines

A major U.S. airline based in Seattle, Washington, known for its domestic and Hawaii routes. In 2024, Alaska acquired Hawaiian Airlines, giving it widebody aircraft capable of transatlantic flights.

Ben Minicucci

The CEO of Alaska Airlines, who expressed personal excitement about the new Seattle-Rome route due to his Italian American heritage.

Andrew Harrison

The Chief Commercial Officer of Alaska Airlines, who framed the airline's global expansion ambitions and commitment to delivering a premium international experience.

Delta Air Lines

A major U.S. airline that has reacted to Alaska's new Seattle-Rome route by adding its own competing flights on the corridor.

British Airways

A fellow oneworld alliance partner that helped Alaska Airlines secure valuable Heathrow Airport slots for its new Seattle-London service.

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What they’re saying

“Serving Rome nonstop from Seattle is a dream come true. As an Italian American whose parents emigrated from Italy, this is a particularly meaningful addition to our network. Rome has been at the top of the list ever since we announced our new global gateway out of Seattle. 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. Andiamo – let's go!”

— Ben Minicucci, CEO, Alaska Airlines

“With our nonstop service from Seattle to Rome and London, we're opening the door to two of the world's most iconic regions with the style and care our guests expect from us. These new routes mark a tremendous step in our global expansion and reflect our commitment to delivering a premium international experience from Seattle.”

— Andrew Harrison, Chief Commercial Officer, Alaska Airlines

What’s next

By 2030, Alaska plans to serve at least 12 intercontinental destinations from Seattle, with additional routes to be announced in the years to come.

The takeaway

Alaska Airlines' historic transatlantic expansion, beginning with new nonstop flights from Seattle to Rome, London, and Reykjavík, represents a significant shift for the carrier as it seeks to position Seattle as a global gateway and connect the Pacific Northwest to more of the world.