Alaska Airlines announced on August 5, 2025, that it will launch new nonstop flights from Seattle to London Heathrow and Reykjavik, Iceland, starting in May 2026. This move marks a major step in The airline’s plan to become a global player, with the introduction of a new Boeing 787 Dreamliner livery inspired by the Northern Lights.
New International Routes from Seattle
Alaska Airlines will begin daily, year-round service from Seattle to London Heathrow (LHR) in May 2026. The flights will use the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, which features 34 business class suites, premium economy, and main cabin seating. London is described as Alaska’s “crown jewel” and the top international destination from Seattle, with more than 400 daily travelers between the two cities. This route will give both business and leisure travelers more direct options to reach the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 from the U.S. West Coast.
At the same time, Alaska Airlines will launch daily, seasonal flights from Seattle to Reykjavik, Iceland (KEF), also starting in May 2026. These flights will run during the summer and use the Boeing 737 MAX 8, a narrow-body aircraft. The cabin will have 12 first class seats, 30 premium class seats, and 117 economy seats. The flight will last over seven hours, making it one of the longest 737 routes flown by a U.S. airline. Icelandair already operates up to three daily flights on this route, so Alaska Airlines will face competition.
Boeing 787 Dreamliner: New Look for a Global Push
The airline’s new Boeing 787 Dreamliner livery is inspired by the Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights. The design uses deep midnight blues and emerald greens, reflecting both Alaska’s heritage and its global ambitions. The first aircraft with this new look will enter service in January 2026, and the entire 787 fleet will be repainted by spring 2026. This change also marks a shift away from the previous “Eskimo” tail logo, signaling a new era for the brand.
All Boeing 787-9s will be based in Seattle for long-haul international routes, while Hawaiian Airlines’ A330s will remain based in Honolulu. Alaska Airlines has 17 Boeing 787-9s on order to support its global expansion.
Strategic Expansion and Operational Plans
Alaska Airlines’ new routes are part of a larger plan to turn Seattle-Tacoma International Airport into a global hub. The airline aims to offer at least 12 intercontinental routes by 2030. Recent and upcoming routes include Seattle to Tokyo Narita, which began in May 2025 (currently operated by Hawaiian Airlines), and Seattle to Seoul-Incheon, launching in September 2025. A new route to Rome is also scheduled for spring 2026.
The 2024 acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines has allowed Alaska Airlines to coordinate fleet and route planning, even though both brands will remain separate. Hawaiian’s A330s will be updated with new interiors, including lie-flat seats and premium economy, over the next few years.
Impacts for Travelers and the Airline
For travelers, these new routes mean more direct options from Seattle to Europe, especially for those heading to London Heathrow or Iceland. Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan members will have more chances to earn and use miles on long-haul flights. The Boeing 787-9s promise a better onboard experience, though some travelers have noted the lack of a true premium economy cabin compared to other airlines. The Reykjavik route, flown by a 737 MAX 8, will be one of the longest narrow-body flights from the United States 🇺🇸, with fewer amenities than wide-body aircraft.
For Alaska Airlines, the new flights strengthen its position in the competitive transatlantic market from the U.S. West Coast. The airline will also benefit from Oneworld alliance partnerships for connections at London Heathrow. This expansion marks the first time Alaska Airlines will fly beyond North America, making it a serious player in long-haul international travel.
Stakeholder and Industry Reactions
Ben Minicucci, CEO of Alaska Airlines, said, “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.” Kirsten Amrine, Vice President of Revenue Management and Network Planning, called London the “crown jewel” and the top destination out of Seattle, pointing to strong demand.
Industry experts say Alaska Airlines’ shift from mainly domestic and short-haul international flights to long-haul markets is a big change. Many travelers are excited about the new livery and global plans, but some have concerns about comfort on the long 737 MAX 8 flights to Iceland.
Future Outlook and Brand Evolution
Alaska Airlines plans to add more long-haul destinations, such as Rome and Seoul, through 2026. The goal is to reach 12 global routes by 2030. The new livery and global branding will be fully rolled out across the Boeing 787 fleet by spring 2026. Hawaiian Airlines’ A330s will also get new interiors, making the onboard experience better for travelers.
How to Book and Get Information
Travelers can already register for early access and book the new London and Reykjavik routes on the Alaska Airlines website. For updates, schedules, and booking, visit the official Alaska Airlines website at https://www.alaskaair.com. For more details about the new 787 Dreamliner livery, travelers can check the airline’s dedicated page.
For those interested in learning more about international travel requirements, the U.S. Department of State provides helpful information about visas and entry rules for the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 and Iceland 🇮🇸. Visit the U.S. Department of State’s travel page for the latest updates.
Historical Context and Key Dates
Alaska Airlines’ international network was once limited to North America, with its first international routes to Mexico in 1988. The recent expansion to Asia and Europe only began in 2025. The 2024 acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines was a key moment, allowing for new fleet and network plans.
Key dates to remember:
– May 2025: Seattle-Tokyo Narita service launched
– September 2025: Seattle-Seoul Incheon service begins
– January 2026: First Boeing 787-9s with new livery enter service
– May 2026: Seattle-London Heathrow and Seattle-Reykjavik flights start
– Spring 2026: All 787-9s repainted; Seattle-Rome service begins
Seattle-Tokyo Narita service launched
Seattle-Seoul Incheon service begins
First Boeing 787-9s with new livery enter service
Seattle-London Heathrow and Seattle-Reykjavik flights start
All 787-9s repainted; Seattle-Rome service begins
What This Means for the Community
These changes will give travelers in the Pacific Northwest more choices for direct flights to Europe and Asia. Businesses, students, and families will benefit from easier access to global destinations. The new flights may also bring more visitors to Seattle, boosting the local economy.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, Alaska Airlines’ global expansion is a major shift for the airline and the region. Travelers should watch for updates as schedules and details may change closer to the launch dates. For the latest information, always check Alaska Airlines’ official channels and press releases.
With these new routes and a fresh look for its Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet, Alaska Airlines is set to connect Seattle to the world in new ways, offering more options and a new travel experience for everyone.
This Article in a Nutshell
