Will Alaska Airlines Really Launch Flights to Europe Next Year?

Alaska Airlines is planning to launch its first-ever flights to Europe next year, its CEO has confirmed, in a move that would mark a significant milestone in its growing global ambitions.

Ever since Alaska’s historic merger with Hawaiian Airlines in September last year, the Seattle-based carrier has stated its ambitions to expand from a major regional player in the West Coast of the U.S. to a leading global airline with intercontinental connections.

To Europe with Hawaiian Metal

One reason for its ambitious expansion plans is the acquisition of Hawaiian’s extensive aircraft fleet, which includes several long-haul widebodies such as Boeing 787s and Airbus A330s.

Photo: Courtesy of Alaska Airlines

Alaska’s first two international routes have already been confirmed and are scheduled to commence in the next few months. Firstly, it will launch daily nonstop flights from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to Tokyo Narita International Airport (NRT) in May, while nonstop flights from Seattle to Seoul Incheon International Airport (ICN) will begin in September.

But now, Alaska aims to go one step further and launch nonstop connections to Europe, which would become the third continent it serves.

Alaska’s ambitions to expand in Europe were confirmed by its CEO, Ben Minicucci, during an event at the Wings Club in New York last Thursday.

Photo: Ben Minicucci. Courtesy of Alaska Airlines

“Europe is definitely on the radar for 2026,” said Minicucci, while also claiming demand has been strong for its first upcoming flights to Asia: “The community couldn’t be more excited to start using their miles, and even the business community is excited about some of the places that we’re going to go.”

While Alaska hasn’t yet confirmed which European cities it’s considering as its first destinations on the continent, it’s been suggested that major hubs like London, Paris, and Rome are in its sights. These key cities were highlighted during an internal investor day presentation in December, along with Delhi, Bangkok, Manila, and Ho Chi Minh City in Asia.

Photo: Sea-Tac Airport. Courtesy of The Port of Seattle.

However, it would likely face significant competition on these routes, especially from its primary hub of Seattle. Alaska’s main competitor there is Delta Air Lines, which currently offers multiple nonstop connections to both Europe and Asia. But, according to Minicucci, this is unlikely to deter Alaska, with the airline boss saying: “Our company can go toe-to-toe with anyone.”

Specifically, Alaska would face competition from Delta, British Airways, and Virgin Atlantic on any Seattle-London route, while it would compete with Delta and Air France on a Seattle-Paris. Should it launch a Rome service, however, it wouldn’t face any direct competition, as per current schedules.