Alaska Airlines Expands European Reach with New Nonstop Routes to Athens and Paris — Alaska Airlines, Inc.

Event summary

Alaska Airlines will launch nonstop seasonal service from Seattle to Athens starting May 12, 2027, becoming the first airline to offer this direct route.
Nonstop seasonal service from Seattle to Paris will begin May 25, 2027, making Alaska the first oneworld airline to provide direct service between the West Coast and Paris.
The new routes will be operated using Alaska's Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, featuring lie-flat Business Class Suites and Starlink Wi-Fi.
By summer 2027, Alaska will serve seven intercontinental destinations from Seattle, with plans to add at least five more by 2030.
Introductory roundtrip Main Cabin fares for the new routes start at $999, available for purchase through August 26, 2026.

The big picture

Alaska Airlines is strategically positioning Seattle as a major international hub, competing with traditional East Coast gateways for transatlantic travel. This expansion aligns with broader industry trends of West Coast airlines seeking to capture growing demand for direct European routes. The addition of Athens and Paris routes underscores Alaska's ambition to leverage its oneworld alliance partnerships and fleet upgrades to drive long-term growth.

What we're watching

Route Performance: Whether the new Athens and Paris routes will achieve sufficient passenger loads to justify their seasonal operation and potential expansion.
Competitive Response: How competing airlines may react to Alaska's expanded European network, particularly in the transatlantic market.
Hub Development: The pace at which Seattle-Tacoma International Airport evolves into a premier global gateway under Alaska's leadership.