ION expands ETF trading capabilities with Tradeweb integration
SEATTLE - Alaska Airlines announced Thursday it will begin daily seasonal service between Seattle and Rome starting April 28, 2026, using its 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.
The carrier initially planned to operate the route four times weekly but increased to daily frequency due to strong customer demand, according to a company press release. Tickets are now available with fares starting at $599 roundtrip.
The Rome service represents part of Alaska's international expansion strategy, which also includes upcoming daily year-round service between Seattle and London Heathrow scheduled to begin in spring 2026.
Passengers on these long-haul routes will experience Alaska's new international service offerings, including 34 enclosed Business Class suites with lie-flat seats, direct aisle access, and multi-course dining options.
"With our nonstop service from Seattle to Rome and London, we're opening the door to two of the world's most iconic regions," said Andrew Harrison, chief commercial officer at Alaska Airlines.
The Seattle-Rome flights will operate daily from April 28 through October 2026, departing Seattle at 5:30 p.m. and arriving in Rome at 1:15 p.m. the following day. Return flights leave Rome at 3:25 p.m. and arrive in Seattle at 5:45 p.m. the same day.
Alaska currently operates its Dreamliner aircraft on routes to Seoul and Tokyo from Seattle. The airline plans to serve at least 12 intercontinental destinations from Seattle by 2030, establishing the city as its global gateway and 787 hub.
Members of Alaska's Atmos Rewards loyalty program will earn one point and one status point per mile flown on these international routes.
The airline also highlighted that its fleet will expand to five 787-9 Dreamliners by year-end, with plans to deploy up to 17 across its global network in the coming years.
In other recent news, Alaska Air's stock price target was raised to $65 by TD Cowen, which maintained a Buy rating on the stock. This adjustment follows Alaska Air's third-quarter 2025 results and its guidance for the fourth quarter on revenue per available seat mile and cost per available seat mile excluding fuel. Additionally, Alaska Air Group announced delays in providing its fourth-quarter guidance due to recent IT disruptions, with updates expected in early December. The company has not yet determined the full financial impact of these disruptions and will release further information once assessments are complete.
Moreover, Alaska Airlines experienced downtime on its website and mobile app shortly after a major technology outage affected flights across the United States. The airline acknowledged the issue but has not disclosed specific details about the current technical problems. In a regulatory development, Alaska Airlines received a single operating certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration to operate alongside Hawaiian Airlines, allowing both to maintain their distinct brand identities while using a single call sign. Lastly, Alaska Airlines will expand its network by launching 13 new nonstop routes from its San Diego and Portland hubs in spring 2026, adding Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Arcata-Eureka, California, to its destinations.
This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.