Alaska Airlines Adds Seattle–London, Reykjavik Flights
Alaska Airlines is expanding its transatlantic network with two new nonstop routes from Seattle to London Heathrow and Reykjavik, launching in spring 2026.
The Seattle–London Heathrow service will operate daily year-round using Boeing 787-9 aircraft, while Seattle–Reykjavik Keflavik flights will run daily during the summer season with Boeing 737-8s. CEO Ben Minicucci said the expansion accelerates the airline’s goal to connect guests globally, enhancing both business and leisure travel options.
Slot acquisition details for Heathrow remain undisclosed but may involve Oneworld partners British Airways or American Airlines. The Seattle–London market is currently served by British Airways, Delta Air Lines, and Virgin Atlantic, offering about 14,700 two-way weekly seats, according to OAG data.
The new London route will leverage Alaska’s West Coast network and partner connectivity, benefiting travelers from Alaska and Hawaii seeking direct access to Europe. The Reykjavik route will compete with Icelandair’s triple-daily flights, which provide nearly 8,000 two-way weekly seats, and will serve both as a leisure destination and a hub for onward European connections.
Alaska is expanding its 787 operations at Seattle, planning up to 17 widebody aircraft by 2030. The airline currently has four 787-9s and will open a new pilot base in Seattle in spring 2026 to support the fleet.
Following its 2024 acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, Alaska gained widebody capability, enabling new long-haul routes. Alongside the Europe launches, Alaska will begin flights to Seoul Incheon in September, add 787 service to Tokyo Narita in January 2026, and open a Rome route in May 2026.
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