Alaska Airlines begins daily service from Seattle to Tokyo Narita with its first intercontinental route, marking a major milestone in the airline’s expansion into international long-haul travel. Operated in partnership with Hawaiian Airlines, the new route offers passengers a nonstop link between Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and Narita International Airport (NRT).
Connecting the Pacific Northwest to Asia
SEA Airport, already a significant hub for domestic travel, is taking a big step forward in becoming a global gateway. The new route places Tokyo within easy reach for travelers across the United States, especially those connecting through Alaska’s extensive network of 104 domestic destinations. The daily flight departs Seattle at 1:30 p.m. and arrives in Tokyo at 4:00 p.m. the following day. Return flights from Narita leave at 6:25 p.m. and arrive in Seattle the same day at 11:30 a.m.
| Route | Days | Departure | Arrival | Flight Number |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SEA to NRT | Daily | 1:30 p.m. | 4:00 p.m. (next day) | HA823 |
| NRT to SEA | Daily | 6:25 p.m. | 11:30 a.m. (same day) | HA824 |
The inaugural flight was celebrated at SEA with a festive event that included Taiko drumming, speeches, a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and specialty cocktails served in Alaska Airlines’ N Concourse lounge. The event brought together key leaders including Port of Seattle Commissioners Ryan Calkins and Sam Cho, Interim Managing Director of Aviation Arif Ghouse, Port Executive Director Steve Metruck, Alaska Airlines CEO Ben Minicucci, and Hawaiian Airlines CEO Joe Sprague.
Expanding Alaska’s International Reach
As Alaska Airlines rolls out its intercontinental plans, this Tokyo route is only the beginning. The airline expects to serve 12 international destinations from SEA by 2030, using its growing fleet of wide-body aircraft. The current service is operated with Hawaiian Airlines’ Airbus A330s, but the airline plans to transition to its new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners in the near future. These aircraft will unlock further possibilities for long-haul flights to Asia and Europe.
Ben Minicucci highlighted the significance of this expansion, noting that it opens up “a world of possibilities” for future international routes. A second international destination, Seoul, is already scheduled for September 2025, solidifying SEA as Alaska’s launchpad for global connectivity.
SEA’s International Growth
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport continues to grow its global footprint. With the addition of Alaska’s Tokyo service, SEA now offers 55 international services to 34 global destinations on 28 airlines. It’s the second new nonstop international service to launch in 2025, after a record-setting eight new routes debuted in 2024. Later this year, travelers can expect flights to Copenhagen via Scandinavian Airlines and to Zurich via Edelweiss.
- International Airlines at SEA: 28
- International Destinations: 34
- New Nonstop Routes in 2024: 8
- New Nonstop Routes in 2025: 2 (so far)
The Port of Seattle continues to support these developments through infrastructure investment and international airline partnerships, enhancing Seattle’s reputation as a vital global travel hub.
Why Tokyo Is the Perfect Destination
Tokyo’s mix of ancient culture and futuristic innovation makes it a top choice for leisure and business travelers. Whether visitors want to explore historic temples, sip tea in serene gardens, or immerse themselves in anime culture, the Japanese capital delivers unforgettable experiences.
Highlights include:
- Visiting Ryogoku Kokugikan for a sumo wrestling match
- Shopping and cultural dives at Nakano Broadway
- Crossing the famous Shibuya Scramble, the world’s busiest intersection
- Exploring Kyoto via bullet train for a deeper cultural trip extension
This new daily service allows travelers to better plan both quick getaways and extended trips that include other Japanese cities like Osaka, Kyoto, and Hiroshima—all reachable via Japan’s high-speed rail network.
Travel Tips for Flying International from SEA
For those unfamiliar with traveling abroad from Seattle, SEA Airport offers several helpful services:
- Global Entry and Mobile Passport: Expedite customs clearance when returning to the U.S.
- TSA PreCheck: Streamline your outbound security process.
- SEA App & Alerts: Keep track of flight updates, security wait times, and airport services in real time.
- Alaska Airlines Mobile App: Check-in, manage boarding passes, and get notifications for connecting flights.
Alaska Airlines has also introduced technology to help prevent missed connections. A new system being piloted at SEA will identify when to briefly hold departing flights for connecting passengers—an enhancement that could make a huge difference for international travelers navigating layovers.
With the debut of this route to Tokyo and more intercontinental plans on the horizon, Alaska Airlines is taking a giant leap forward from regional standout to global carrier. Travelers in the Pacific Northwest and beyond can now enjoy easier access to one of Asia’s most exciting destinations—with the promise of even more to come.
