Alaska Airlines is embarking on its most ambitious international expansion yet, announcing it will offer daily nonstop flights from Seattle to London Heathrow starting in spring 2026 as it transforms into a premium global airline following its acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines.
Alaska Airlines is accelerating its future as a premium global airline, launching a bold new route across the Atlantic with nonstop service to London Heathrow and Reykjavik, Iceland, starting next spring from its growing global gateway in Seattle.
London is Seattle’s largest intercontinental market, with more than 400 passengers traveling daily between the two vibrant cities, making it a strategic choice for Alaska’s transatlantic debut.
Alaska Airlines will offer daily, year-round flights to the British capital using its wide-body 787-9 aircraft, which feature 34 enclosed suites with fully lie-flat seats in business class. The route is targeted at business and leisure travelers looking for premium onboard amenities and expanded connectivity options.
CEO Ben Minicucci emphasized the importance of this 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 elevate international experiences.”
As the gateway to Europe, this daily flight will connect passengers across the West Coast to London and other destinations served by Alaska’s extensive partner network, while also providing passengers in Alaska and Hawaii convenient scheduled connections to much-needed markets.
The London route will utilize Alaska’s growing fleet of Boeing 787-9s, sporting a striking new global livery inspired by the Northern Lights. Alaska Air Group’s 2024 acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines gives the airline its first wide-body aircraft and accelerates its long-haul expansion plans.
The airline currently operates four 787-9 aircraft and will open a new pilot base in Seattle starting in spring 2026 to support the aircraft type. Alaska Airlines debuts its eye-catching global exterior design that will be adopted across its growing fleet of up to 17 wide-body 787 Dreamliners.
The Seattle-London market is currently served by British Airways, Delta Air Lines and Virgin Atlantic, with approximately 14,700 seats per week in both directions. The addition of Alaska will provide travelers with additional itinerary options and premium capacity.
Alaska’s expansion into the London market presents significant opportunities, driven by strengthened alliances with American Airlines and British Airways, with these alliances expected to deepen over time.
