Alaska Airlines Charts Bold Transatlantic Course With Daily Seattle-London Service Starting Spring 2026

Alaska Airlines is embarking on its most ambitious international expansion yet, announcing daily non-stop service from Seattle to London Heathrow starting in spring 2026 as the carrier transforms into a premier global airline following its acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines.

Alaska Airlines is accelerating its future as a premier global carrier by charting a bold new route across the Atlantic, opening non-stop routes from its growing global gateway in Seattle to London Heathrow and Reykjavik, Iceland, starting next spring.

London is Seattle’s largest transcontinental market and a strategic choice for Alaska’s transatlantic departure, with more than 400 passengers traveling between the two vibrant cities each day.

Alaska will operate a year-round daily service to the British capital on its wide-body 787-9 aircraft, which includes 34 enclosed suites with fully reclining seats in Business Class. The route targets both corporate and leisure travelers seeking premium inflight amenities and expanded connectivity options.

CEO Ben Minicucci emphasized the importance of the expansion: “With these bold moves, we are accelerating our vision of connecting our guests to the world. We are seizing this moment to redefine and level up the international experience.”

As a gateway to Europe, this daily flight will connect guests along the West Coast to London and other destinations served by Alaska’s extensive partner network, while also providing guests in the states of Alaska and Hawaii with conveniently timed connectivity to a highly desired market.

The London service will use Alaska’s growing fleet of Boeing 787-9s and will be equipped with a striking new spherical livery inspired by the aurora borealis. Alaska Air Group’s acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines in 2024 gives the carrier access to wide-body aircraft for the first time, accelerating long-haul expansion plans.

The carrier currently operates four 787-9s and will open a new pilot base in Seattle to support the aircraft type starting in spring 2026. Alaska unveils striking global livery that will be featured on its growing fleet of up to 17 wide-body 787 Dreamliner aircraft.

The Seattle-London market is currently served by British Airways, Delta Air Lines and Virgin Atlantic with approximately 14,700 two-way seats per week. Alaska’s entry will provide travelers with additional planning options and superior capacity.

Alaska’s expansion into the London market, facilitated by strengthened collaborations with American Airlines and British Airways, presents significant opportunities and these alliances are expected to deepen over time.

The London announcement represents part of a comprehensive international expansion strategy. The long-haul Dreamliner experience will be available when service begins between Seattle and Seoul-Incheon on September 12 and on the existing Seattle-Tokyo Narita route from January 7, 2026. Flights to Rome are planned to begin next spring.

The carrier plans to operate at least 12 nonstop transcontinental flights from Seattle by 2030, making the Pacific Northwest hub a major gateway for global travel.

In addition to London, Alaska has also announced seasonal daily service to Reykjavik, Iceland. During the summer season, when the days are long and bright in Iceland, Alaska will fly the Reykjavik route with 737-8 MAX aircraft, serving adventure enthusiasts and outdoor enthusiasts while providing an easy gateway to the European continent.

International travel, particularly for premium seats, has outperformed domestic demand in the U.S., where the market is oversupplied, making Alaska’s timing strategic for entry into long-haul markets.

The route offers an alternative for those looking for more flight time, more premium seat capacity and the ability to earn and redeem valuable miles in Alaska’s award-winning loyalty program.

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport currently offers 58 service options to 36 international destinations with 30 different airlines, and with Alaska Airlines announcing three new services coming in 2026, SEA will offer over 60 international services.

Alaska is making significant investments in the inflight experience over the next few years, including all-new interiors with updated reclining seats, a new premium economy cabin and upgraded main cabin seats, and new premium products and amenities to match the exceptional service provided by flight attendants.

The launch of the London route represents the most significant step for Alaska Airlines to become a global carrier, leveraging the strategic location of its Seattle hub and the operational capabilities gained through the acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines. As the airline moves towards its goal of 12 intercontinental destinations by 2030, the London service will serve as the flagship route demonstrating Alaska’s commitment to world-class international service and connectivity for West Coast passengers.