Travelers in the Pacific Northwest will have plenty of new options to fly to Europe in 2026, thanks to Alaska Airlines¡¯ ongoing route expansion.
The carrier just announced it¡¯s adding two more transatlantic routes out of its Seattle hub to London and Reykjavik, launching next spring. The new international flights are part of Alaska¡¯s larger initiative to transform its base in Seattle into a global gateway. The airline plans to launch at least 12 nonstop international flights from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) by 2030, with London and Reykjavik as the fourth and fifth destinations in its lineup.?
Alaska will offer daily nonstop service to London all year round with its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. ¡°The Seattle-London route is popular with both corporate and leisure travelers who are eager for premium onboard amenities and services,¡± the carrier says. As such, it will offer a business-class cabin outfitted with 34 enclosed suites with lie-flat beds. The British capital is the largest intercontinental market for travelers from Seattle, according to Alaska, with more than 400 passengers transiting between the two destinations every day.
The airline will also begin a seasonal summer flight to Reykjavik, Iceland, on board its single-aisle Boeing 737-8 Max planes. Exact flight schedules for the Reykjavik and London routes haven¡¯t been published yet, as both flights are still awaiting final government approval. Fares for both routes are scheduled to go on sale this fall.
Previously, Alaska announced new service from Seattle to Tokyo Narita (which launched in May), Seoul Incheon, and Rome, which will be its first-ever European destination. ¡°With these bold moves, we are accelerating our vision to connect our guests to the world,¡± said Alaska Airlines CEO Ben Minicucci. ¡°We are seizing this moment to redefine the international experience and level up. And we¡¯re doing it with the same relentless focus on safety, care and performance that¡¯s always defined us. I¡¯m so proud of how our people continue to step up and deliver as we push ahead on these initiatives, with even more to come.¡±
To mark the transition into its global era, Alaska Airlines is also rolling out a brand-new livery for its Dreamliner aircraft. The new design is inspired by the northern lights, with vibrant blues and greens as well as ¡°flowing aura lines. It will adorn the airline¡¯s growing fleet of up to 17 Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft¡± as part of its new global experience. Alaska currently has four Dreamliners in its fleet.
¡°Our new 787 exterior embodies Alaska¡¯s transition to a global airline with beauty, grace and a nod to our heritage,¡± said Andrew Harrison, Alaska¡¯s chief commercial officer. ¡°As we significantly expand to new destinations around the globe, we¡¯re eager for more and more travelers to recognize our new livery as being Alaska Airlines and appreciate the outstanding service we¡¯ve long been known for.¡±
The airline¡¯s iconic emblem featuring an image of an Alaska Native will remain on its narrow-body aircraft. Alaska Airlines¡¯ long-haul Dreamliner experience will be available from Seattle starting on September 12, when the carrier launches its route to Seoul, South Korea.?
The carrier is also upgrading the long-haul experience on its Airbus A330 fleet, ¡°making substantial investments to the onboard experience over the next few years,¡± according to the airline. Every cabin on those jets will see improvements, including updated lie-flat seats in business class, a new premium economy cabin, and upgraded seats in the main cabin.
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
