After years of being the Pacific Northwest’s favorite for domestic hops and short-haul international flights, Alaska Airlines (NASDAQ: ALK) is raising its ambitions to a truly global scale. Big news dropped this week as the airline announced direct flights from Seattle to both London and Reykjavik, opening up the door for travelers seeking something beyond the usual West Coast to Hawaii or Mexico routes. These aren’t just fresh pins on the route map, they reflect a broader shift in Alaska’s identity and aspirations.
Starting in May 2026, Alaska Airlines will offer daily flights between Seattle and London’s Heathrow Airport year round, operated with their new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. These aircraft offer modern comforts, including lie flat business class seats and a brand new livery inspired by the Northern Lights. The London route is no side project, it is a clear bet on the popularity and commercial power of this global city. For Alaska, this means going head to head with giants like British Airways, Delta and Virgin Atlantic, all of whom already serve the busy Seattle London corridor. But the team at Alaska seems unfazed, confident in their deep ties to the city and their growing Oneworld alliance connections, especially with partners like British Airways and American Airlines.
Those eyeing the more adventurous side of Europe will find the new Seattle to Reykjavik flight a welcome addition. That service will run daily in the summer months, using Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft, proving that long transatlantic legs on a single aisle jet can work when the destination is as tempting as Iceland. It is a nod to outdoor and adventure enthusiasts, but practical too: Reykjavik serves as a springboard to the rest of Europe for those wanting something different from the usual gateways.
Alaska’s foray into these new long haul markets goes hand in hand with a recent acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines giving them direct access to more widebody aircraft and a new class of global travel tools. It is also a vote of confidence in Seattle as an international hub. With the launch of Tokyo flights earlier this year, and Seoul and Rome on the near horizon, the airline’s commitment to more international destinations is no longer just talk. By 2030, the plan is to operate at least a dozen nonstop intercontinental routes from their Seattle home base, connecting more dots between North America, Europe and Asia.
It is rare to see a US carrier long known for sticking to its backyard try to break into transatlantic flying in earnest, especially one that only a few years ago looked content with domestic dominance and partnerships for overseas bookings. By adding London and Iceland, Alaska Airlines is signaling it is playing for higher stakes and aiming for more than just overflow business. The year round London route will likely appeal to frequent business travelers as much as leisure seekers, thanks in part to the full service Dreamliner experience and broad network connectivity back and forth via their alliance ties.
For those in Seattle and on the broader West Coast, the move opens up smoother access to Europe without a layover or switch to another carrier. It is also an opportunity for Alaska’s Mileage Plan loyalty members, who have grown accustomed to redemption options primarily on partner airlines, to now fly longer international trips without ever leaving Alaska’s own planes.
Alaska’s latest expansion is a bet on changing tastes and restored demand for long haul travel. If it pays off, it could reshape not just the airline’s identity but the landscape of US Europe connections for years to come.
