Delta Escalates the Seattle Turf War with Rome, Barcelona Flights and Luxe New Lounges

For years, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) has been Alaska Airlines’ stronghold. It’s their home turf, their kingdom, their fortress. But lately, Delta Air Lines has been acting more like the landlord than a tenant—and it’s making moves that no one can ignore.

In its latest power play, Delta announced two new international routes from Seattle to Barcelona and Rome beginning in summer 2026, plus the debut of not one but two brand-new lounges at SEA. One of them—a Delta One Lounge—is so fancy it could make a Centurion card blush.

Photo: New Delta One Lounge, A Concourse in Seattle. Courtesy of Delta / Chiris Rank / Rank Studios

It’s a classic turf war with a premium twist. Seattle just went from zero flights to Rome to two airlines offering service next summer—and guess who got there first?

“Delta’s commitment runs deep in Seattle,” said Delta President Glen Hauenstein. “With new international service and the opening of our Delta One Lounge, we’re investing in what matters most to our customers—exceptional, premium experiences—and reinforcing our role as Seattle’s largest global carrier.”

Translation? Alaska may be Seattle’s hometown airline, but Delta’s the one making it look like a global hub.

Hello, Rome and Barcelona

Delta’s new nonstop service to Rome (FCO) and Barcelona (BCN) will launch in summer 2026, with four weekly flights to Rome and three to Barcelona. Both routes will be operated on Airbus A330-900neo aircraft, featuring the full suite of Delta’s premium products.

The Delta One cabin on the Airbus A330neo features 29 Thompson Aero Vantage seats in a staggered 1-2-1 configuration / Photo: Courtesy of Delta Air Lines

These additions are just the latest in Delta’s rapid expansion from its Pacific Northwest hub, from where, in the last decade, it has launched service to 28 new markets and now operates nearly 180 daily departures to over 60 destinations. Add in partners from the SkyTeam alliance, and Delta customers can tap into hundreds more routes across Europe, Asia, and Latin America.

Even the Port of Seattle is on board.

Photo: Delta, Airbus A330-900neo. Courtesy of Airbus.

“Delta’s new international flights to Rome and Barcelona and two new lounges enhance our ability to be a welcoming port,” said Port Commissioner Fred Felleman. “These efforts are good for travelers and enhance cultural exchanges that also benefit our vibrant region.”

Two Lounges, One Mission

Delta is doing more than adding new routes—it’s trying to redefine the ground experience at SEA. The airline has unveiled an over-the-top, dual-lounge complex across from Gate A11 with an all-new Delta One Lounge that spans 24,000 square feet of luxury with 149 indoor seats and 72 on a wraparound terrace with jaw-dropping views of Mount Rainier.

Photo: New Delta One Lounge, A Concourse in Seattle. Courtesy of Delta / Chiris Rank / Rank Studios

Also, a new Delta Sky Club, offering a more laid-back lounge seating 183 guests, with full bar service and Pacific Northwest-inspired fare

And yes, in the Delta One Lounge—the fourth after the lounges in New York (JFK), Boston (BOS), and Los Angeles (LAX)—you can expect all the trimmings: designer interiors, curated art, Pacific Northwest wood tones, and even a bird sculpture perched on vintage suitcases (courtesy of local artist Pam Kueny Taylor).

Photo: New Delta One Lounge, A Concourse in Seattle. Courtesy of Delta / Chiris Rank / Rank Studios

“These sophisticated-yet-comfortable spaces reflect Delta’s commitment to delivering experiences customers can look forward to,” said Claude Roussel, VP of Sky Clubs and Lounge Experience. “We’re responding to customer demand for the elevated experiences they have come to know, love, and expect from Delta at our hubs and beyond.”

Dining? Seattle Style

The Delta One Lounge at SEA isn’t just for sipping Prosecco before boarding. According to Delta, much like in its other three Delta One Lounges, it’s prepared to offer an entire gastronomic journey.

Photo: Views of various foods and cocktails at the SEA Delta One Lounge. Courtesy of Delta / Chris Rank / Rank Studios

The open kitchen serves up an ever-rotating three-course menu with dishes like Yellowtail crudo and ramen, Dungeness crab cannelloni, Wood-fired teriyaki steelhead, and locally sourced Rainier cherry sundae.

Being in Seattle, the capital city of coffee, Delta is introducing Caffe Umbria and wine curated with a West Coast focus.

Photo: Views of various foods and cocktails at the SEA Delta One Lounge. Courtesy of Delta / Chris Rank / Rank Studios

The Sky Club doesn’t skimp either. Seasonal salads, lemon chicken, and clam chowder from Seattle’s iconic Ivar’s share the spotlight with Starbucks coffee and Mount Rainier views.

Smart and Sustainable

Delta’s Seattle lounges aren’t just about plush chairs and cherry compote. They’re also a showcase for sustainable design, featuring smart windows, all-electric energy systems, and motion-sensing lights. Everything from reusable dinnerware to high-efficiency equipment was chosen with emissions in mind.

Photo: New Delta One Lounge, A Concourse in Seattle. Courtesy of Delta / Chiris Rank / Rank Studios

Delta’s broader operations at SEA back that up, with 87 percent of its core aircraft and 70 percent of ground equipment at Seattle being electric. The Port of Seattle gave Delta a Sustainable Century Award for operating the most fuel-efficient fleet at SEA.

Turf War: Round Three

So where does this leave Alaska?

While Alaska remains the largest domestic carrier at SEA, it’s hard to miss the momentum building behind Delta’s international ambitions—and its high-end pitch to the premium traveler.

Photo: Sea-Tac Airport. Courtesy of The Port of Seattle.

Just days after Alaska announced it would launch Seattle–Rome service in summer 2026, Delta came in swinging with not only the same route but its own spin on Barcelona, dual lounges, concierge check-in, and more.

As Ishrion Aviation noted, Seattle’s international network has exploded in recent years—from Doha to Helsinki to Papeete. And with players like Qatar, Starlux, Turkish Airlines, and now Delta pushing new routes, SEA is quickly becoming a serious intercontinental hub.

Seattle (SEA) intercontinental network since 2019:

• Gained: BCN, FCO, CPH, ZRH, HEL, MUC, IST, DOH, PPT, MNL, CKG, HND + Air Tahiti Nui, China Airlines, Edelweiss, Finnair, Philippine Airlines, Qatar Airways, Starlux, SAS, Turkish Airlines, Alaska/Hawaiian

• Lost: KIX, SZX,… pic.twitter.com/ILtb0Uq4zP

— Ishrion Aviation (@IshrionA) June 25, 2025

Delta’s message is loud and clear: If you’re flying international from Seattle—and especially if you’re flying premium—there’s only one gate you need to be walking toward.

Bottom Line

Delta isn’t playing catch-up in Seattle anymore. With new long-haul routes, elite lounges, priority gates, and high-touch service, it’s making a full-court press to win the hearts—and boarding passes—of international business flyers.

Whether you’re heading to Rome, grabbing dumplings at the Delta One Lounge, or just watching the sun hit Mount Rainier through a cocktail glass, one thing is clear:

The battle for Seattle is on—and Delta came dressed for the occasion.