Alaska Airlines Breaks New Ground with Inaugural Transatlantic Flights to Europe
Alaska Airlines is making aviation history with the announcement of its first-ever transatlantic flights. The Seattle-based carrier will launch nonstop service from Seattle to three European destinations in 2026. These include daily, year-round flights to London Heathrow starting in May 2026, along with seasonal summer service to Reykjavík, Iceland, and a previously announced route to Rome.
The London service will be operated by Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, featuring 34 fully enclosed lie-flat business class suites in a 1-2-1 configuration. Additionally, there will be 79 premium economy seats and 187 economy seats. The Reykjavík route will utilize Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft with refreshed interiors.
“London is the largest intercontinental market from Seattle, with more than 400 passengers traveling between the two vibrant cities every day,” the airline stated. This expansion marks a significant shift for Alaska Airlines, which acquired wide-body aircraft through its 2024 merger with Hawaiian Airlines.
The routes will feature enhanced amenities including partnerships with Pacific Northwest brands like Salt & Straw, Stumptown Coffee, and Filson. Alaska Airlines aims to serve at least 12 intercontinental destinations from Seattle by 2030, positioning the carrier as a serious competitor in the transatlantic market alongside Delta, British Airways, and Virgin Atlantic.
Source: AFAR Magazine