Alaska Airlines is charting a new course across the Atlantic with plans to launch nonstop flights from Seattle to London Heathrow and Reykjavik, Iceland, starting in spring 2026.
The move signals the carrier’s evolution from a West Coast operator into a premium global airline as it strengthens Seattle’s role as an international hub.
The new flights mark Alaska’s fourth and fifth intercontinental routes from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, joining existing and planned service to Tokyo, Seoul, and Rome. By the end of the decade, the airline expects to operate at least 12 long-haul destinations from Seattle, according to company officials.
The daily Seattle–London service will be operated on Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, featuring 34 enclosed Business Class suites with fully lie-flat seats and direct aisle access. London remains Seattle’s largest intercontinental market, with more than 400 passengers traveling between the two cities daily. The summer-only Seattle–Reykjavik route will be flown on 737-8 MAX aircraft, connecting travelers to Iceland’s natural wonders and providing a convenient gateway to continental Europe.
Alaska Airlines CEO Ben Minicucci said the expansion is part of a long-term strategy to offer travelers more global options. “With these bold moves, we are accelerating our vision to connect our guests to the world,” he said. “We are redefining the international experience and doing it with the same relentless focus on safety, care, and performance that’s always defined us.”
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport Interim Managing Director Arif Ghouse said the additions enhance the region’s connectivity. He described the flights as bringing “the Blue Lagoon to Big Ben” for Pacific Northwest travelers while boosting SEA’s international profile. The airport is on track to offer more than 60 international routes by 2026, up from 58 today.
Alaska Airlines is pairing its expansion with a visual transformation. Its Boeing 787-9 aircraft will debut a striking new livery inspired by the Aurora Borealis, with deep blues and greens flowing along the fuselage. The design blends modern elements with nods to the airline’s heritage, including a horizontal stripe reminiscent of Alaska’s classic liveries.
Up to 17 Dreamliners will be based in Seattle to support the growing long-haul network. The aircraft will feature upgraded Business Class suites, premium economy seating, and enhanced in-flight entertainment options. The airline is also investing in its Airbus A330 widebody fleet, primarily used for routes between the continental U.S. and Hawaiʻi, to ensure a consistent premium experience.
With the London and Reykjavik routes, Alaska Airlines continues to position itself as the Pacific Northwest’s link to the world. By 2030, the carrier aims to connect Seattle to a dozen intercontinental destinations, signaling its commitment to compete in the global travel market while maintaining a focus on the regions it calls home.
