Alaska Airlines is expanding its international network by opening two new transatlantic routes from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to London Heathrow Airport and Reykjavik, Iceland. Flights are scheduled to begin in spring 2026, marking a significant step in the airline’s strategy to become a global carrier.
The daily flight to London Heathrow Airport will be operated year-round on Alaska Airlines’ new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, which offers premium class amenities and 34 lie-flat suites in Business Class. The new seasonal route to Reykjavik will be operated daily during the summer months on Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft.
“With these bold moves, we are accelerating our vision to connect our guests to the world. We are seizing this moment to redefine the international experience and level up. And we’re doing it with the same relentless focus on safety, care and performance that’s always defined us. I’m so proud of how our people continue to step up and deliver as we push ahead on these initiatives, with even more to come,” said Ben Minicucci, Alaska Airlines CEO.
The route launch coincides with the rollout of Alaska’s new global livery, which makes its debut only on the airline’s growing fleet of 787 Dreamliners. Inspired by the energy and spirit of the aurora borealis, the new design incorporates broad horizontal stripes of rich emerald green and deep midnight blue along the fuselage – an homage to Alaska’s natural environment and outstanding heritage, and a contemporary tribute to the iconic liveries from the 1970s and 1980s that link the airline’s past with its future. The aura’s flowing lines, visible in current premium cabins and main livery, give the design lightness, movement, and fluidity.
“Our new 787 exterior embodies Alaska’s transition to a global airline with beauty, grace and a nod to our heritage. As we significantly expand to new destinations around the globe, we’re eager for more and more travelers to recognize our new livery as being Alaska Airlines and appreciate the outstanding service we’ve long been known for,” commented Andrew Harrison, Alaska Airlines Chief Commercial Officer.
The carrier currently operates four 787-9s and plans to add up to 17 more aircraft by the end of the decade. A new pilot base in Seattle will support long-haul operations such as previously announced routes to Tokyo-Narita (January 2026), Rome (spring 2026), and a new nonstop service to Seoul-Incheon scheduled to launch on 12 September this year.
These steps will allow Alaska to compete more effectively in key transatlantic markets, as London remains the busiest international destination from Seattle, with more than 400 passengers flying between the two cities each day for both business and leisure, and Reykjavik is a bucket-list destination for adventure and outdoor lovers, also serving as a gateway to mainland Europe.
By 2030, Alaska aims to serve at least 12 international destinations from Seattle. The airline will also leverage partnerships with British Airways and American Airlines to provide broader connectivity through Oneworld Alliance networks.
Tickets for both routes are expected to go on sale later this fall. The London service will operate year-round, while flights to Reykjavik will run from mid-May through early September.
As Alaska Airlines looks to broaden its international presence, the new offerings serve part of a larger commitment to better customer service, premium travel experiences, and expanded global access from the West Coast.
