Alaska Airlines is expanding its international footprint with the launch of two new long-haul routes from its Seattle hub. The airline announced the new services on Tuesday, scheduled to begin in spring 2026, as part of its broader strategy to grow global connectivity from the Pacific Northwest.
The new routes will connect Seattle with London and Reykjavik, Iceland, marking Alaska’s first service to both cities.
The London Heathrow route will operate daily year-round aboard the airline’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, while the Reykjavik service will run seasonally during the summer using the Boeing 737 MAX 8.
Alaska said the addition of these routes brings it closer to its goal of serving at least a dozen international long-haul destinations from Seattle by 2030. These will join existing intercontinental flights to Tokyo-Narita and Seoul-Incheon.
The carrier also plans to link Seattle and Rome next year, marking its first-ever European route.
New 787 Livery
The carrier also unveiled a refreshed livery for its widebody fleet as part of the announcement. The updated design, inspired by the aurora borealis, will debut on the 787-9s and reflect Alaska’s branding for its growing international operations.
There it is! @AlaskaAir will begin painting its 787-9s with the airline’s branding (slightly updated) in January.
The airline is also adding two new long-haul destinations from Seattle: London Heathrow and Reykjavik. pic.twitter.com/lDu7Fhzbvl
— Ryan Ewing (@FlyingHighRyan) August 5, 2025
The airline plans to operate up to 17 Dreamliners in the years ahead. In addition, Alaska will also open a new pilot base in Seattle to support its expanding widebody operations.
Ticket sales for both new routes are expected to begin this fall.
