Alaska Airlines celebrates nonstop flights to Rome, while Delta cuts back its Mexico routes

As summer travel heats up, major airlines are making changes to their service.

Alaska Airlines is celebrating nonstop flights to Rome, while Delta is scaling back its Mexico routes amid a surge in oil prices.

Alaska Airlines first to offer nonstop flights from Seattle to Rome

For the first time, nonstop flights from Seattle to Rome are available, with Alaska Airlines being the first carrier to offer the route. The Eternal City was one of the most-requested destinations for Atmos Reward members. It was also the largest European destination not currently served nonstop from Seattle, according to Alaska Airlines.

Seasonal service to Leonardo da Vinci Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) will be available through Oct. 23 on the airline’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. The flight will depart Seattle at 5:30 p.m., landing in Rome at 1:15 p.m. the following day. Westbound service will depart from Rome at 3:25 p.m. and arrive in Seattle at 5:45 p.m. the next day.

The decision to create this flight path stems from Alaska Airlines’ goal of transforming Seattle into the West Coast’s new premier global gateway following its acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines. The new flights will allow easier travel from Hawaii to Europe, with just one stop through Seattle.

The flight will debut new international business class suites with chef-inspired meals, premium bedding, and seatback entertainment. The launch will also bring added perks for Atmos Rewards members, including exclusive check-in and airport experiences, international upgrade eligibility for Atmos Titanium members, and Starlink for all members, with long-haul connectivity beginning fall 2026.

Ivan Bassato, chief aviation officer at Aeroporti di Roma, welcomed the nonstop service, saying it will support Italy’s economic growth and strengthen Rome’s position as a leading transatlantic gateway.

“We are pleased to welcome Alaska Airlines to Rome Fiumicino, marking an important milestone as the airline launches its first European destination,” Bassato stated. “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.”

Starting April 28, Alaska Airlines will also become the first U.S. passenger airline to offer daily nonstop cargo service between Seattle and Rome.

While Alaska Airlines is touting its new flights, The Seattle Times reported that the airline anticipates higher fares due to rising jet fuel prices driven by tensions with Iran. According to the media outlet, jet fuel is expected to rise from an average of $2.89 per gallon to $4.50 per gallon, costing Alaska Airlines an extra $100 million in the first three months of the year, and an additional $600 million between April and June.

Delta Air Lines pauses several flights to Mexico

Delta Air Lines may also be feeling the rising costs. The airline told KIRO 7 it has “paused or reduced” several flights to Mexico, though it hasn’t specified a reason.

“Delta is updating its planned service from Seattle to Cancun, Los Cabos, and Puerto Vallarta as part of its ongoing planning for the summer and fall seasons,” the airline said in a statement to KIRO 7. “Select routes will be paused or reduced between June and November. We apologize for any inconvenience, and Delta will contact affected customers directly to discuss alternate options.”

Flights from Seattle to Cancun will pause from June 2 to Nov. 8. Flights from Seattle to Los Cabos will only be available on Saturdays from June 2 to June 30, and will be completely stopped from July 1 to Nov. 8. Flights from Seattle to Puerto Vallarta will pause from Oct. 6 to Nov. 8.

Oil costs surge as Iran holds Strait of Hormuz

On Monday, The Associated Press reported Iran offered to end its hold on the Strait of Hormuz, which is used to transport a fifth of the world’s oil, if the U.S. lifts its blockade on the country and ends the war.

The media outlet noted U.S. President Donald Trump seems unlikely to accept the offer, which would leave unresolved disagreements that led the U.S. to go to war in February.

Contributing: Frank Sumrall, MyNorthwest; KIRO 7

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