Alaska Airlines announces Rome as its first European destination

Alaska Airlines is making its first foray into the European travel market, announcing Tuesday it will launch new flights to and from Rome, Italy, beginning in May 2026. 

The introduction of the new route marks the first time travelers will be able to fly nonstop from the airline's hub in Seattle, Washington, to Italy on any airline, according to Alaska Air. Customers will fly on Boeing 787-9 aircraft the carrier obtained when it merged with Hawaiian Airlines in 2023.

The new route is part of Alaska Air's push to expand its global reach. The airline intends to serve 12 global destinations on multiple continents by 2030, CEO Ben Minicucci told CBS News last month.