Alaska Airlines Powers Up San Diego with 3 New Routes and Expanded Service

Alaska Airlines is strengthening its hold on Southern California’s busiest airport with the launch of new nonstop routes and major frequency increases from San Diego, a move aimed squarely at time-sensitive business travelers and premium flyers seeking greater connectivity across the U.S.

The Seattle-based airline is adding new nonstop service from San Diego (SAN) to Chicago O’Hare (ORD), Denver (DEN), and Phoenix (PHX), strengthening its role as the largest airline serving San Diego by both destinations and departures.

Service to Phoenix launches on August 20, followed by Chicago and Denver on October 4. Each route will operate with three daily flights, offering business travelers high-frequency scheduling flexibility. Aircraft will include both Boeing 737s and Embraer 175s.

Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines now collectively operate 44 nonstop destinations from San Diego, more than any other airline, with over 90 peak-day departures.

Photo: Courtesy of Alaska Airlines

“These exciting new additions to our network further expand our ability to take San Diegans directly to where they want to go, better than any other airline,” said Ben Minicucci, CEO of Alaska Air Group. “We’re proud to already serve the region with the most nonstop destinations, supported by our premium onboard service and global loyalty program.”

More Frequencies on High-Demand Routes

In addition to the new markets, Alaska will increase frequencies on several high-volume West Coast routes from San Diego starting October 26, targeting routes heavily used by frequent flyers:

These adjustments represent a 50 percent or greater increase on key business routes, offering improved flexibility for same-day travel and onward connections.

Loyalty and Connectivity

Alaska’s expansion in San Diego is part of a broader network optimization strategy driven by its pending integration with Hawaiian Airlines and its global partnerships through the oneworld alliance.

Alaska’s Mileage Plan continues to be a key differentiator, with members able to earn and redeem miles on over 65 percent of international departures from San Diego via oneworld carriers, including British Airways, Japan Airlines, and Finnair.

For premium and business travelers, the combined Alaska-Hawaiian network will offer more than 1,650 daily flights this summer. With a single connection, San Diego-based flyers can access over 330 global destinations.

Photo: Courtesy of Alaska Airlines

The airline also began a new daily service between San Diego and Washington Reagan National (DCA) in March 2025. Alaska remains the only carrier to operate this route, ending San Diego’s years-long absence of a nonstop to the centrally located D.C. airport.

“The timing is perfect for adding new routes and increasing frequency to existing flights,” said Kimberly Becker, President and CEO of the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority. “We look forward to welcoming both leisure and business visitors to our year-round sunny climate while providing more flights to destinations across the country.”

Network Realignment Elsewhere

As Alaska expands its presence in San Diego, the airline is also refining its network to concentrate on high-performing markets. Reports from Ishrion Aviation indicate that later this summer, Alaska will discontinue four routes. Notably, the seasonal route from Los Angeles (LAX) to Nassau (NAS) will not return for the upcoming winter, suggesting a potential exit from the Bahamian market altogether.

Photo: Courtesy of San Diego International Airport

Similarly, the routes from LAX and San Francisco (SFO) to Washington Dulles (IAD) will cease operations after August 19. While this reduction decreases Alaska’s presence at Dulles, the airline will continue service to Washington National (DCA), a preferred airport for many business travelers due to its central location.

Additionally, service on the SFO to Chicago O’Hare (ORD) route will also be discontinued after August 19, even as Alaska prepares to launch a new, high-frequency route from San Diego to ORD in October. Furthermore, the Seattle (SEA) to Nassau route has not yet been scheduled for winter service, raising the possibility of a complete withdrawal from Nassau.

These adjustments appear to align with Alaska’s strategic focus on enhancing connectivity along the West Coast, concentrating capacity in key markets, and preparing for an expanded joint network with Hawaiian Airlines.

Hawaiian Adjusts Dreamliner Deployment

As Hawaiian Airlines continues integrating its new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners into the fleet, the carrier is deploying its newest and most advanced aircraft on key long-haul routes—elevating the onboard experience for both leisure and business travelers.

Photo: Courtesy of Hawaiian Airlines

Starting August 20, according to Ishrion Aviation, Hawaiian will begin daily Dreamliner service between Seattle (SEA) and Honolulu (HNL). The route, long popular among Pacific Northwest travelers, will feature the airline’s next-generation aircraft equipped with fully lie-flat seats in the premium cabin, elevated cabin design inspired by island aesthetics, and modern passenger amenities tailored for long-haul comfort.

By September 11, this route will be upgraded to twice-daily Dreamliner service, fully replacing the Airbus A330-200s previously operating the route.

Photo: Courtesy of Hawaiian Airlines

The 787s will also extend their presence on the Honolulu–New York JFK route. Originally slated to pause Dreamliner operations on August 20, Hawaiian now plans to continue 787 flights until at least September 10, a move that reinforces the airline’s commitment to delivering its premium product on one of its most competitive transcontinental routes.

At the same time, Hawaiian is shifting Dreamliner capacity away from Los Angeles (LAX). The last 787 flight from LAX to HNL is scheduled for October 26, after which the Dreamliner will be redeployed to other long-haul routes such as those from Seattle and potentially future international destinations. These fleet moves reflect Hawaiian’s deliberate pacing in aligning aircraft capability with route demand and market performance, particularly as its flagship 787s begin to take center stage in the airline’s long-haul network.

Photo: Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. Courtesy of Hawaiian Airlines

The Dreamliner introduction is a key milestone for Hawaiian Airlines, offering not only enhanced comfort but a redefined brand experience rooted in modern Hawaiian hospitality. While the full rollout of 787s across the network will take time, these early deployments mark a confident step forward as the airline strengthens its presence on competitive long-haul corridors and prepares for deeper integration with Alaska’s growing route map.

Bottom Line

With 44 nonstop routes, expanded frequencies, and new transcontinental service, Alaska Airlines is deepening its West Coast leadership from San Diego, while providing premium and frequent travelers with improved scheduling, connectivity, and global reach. The expanded footprint also strengthens Alaska’s long-term strategic positioning ahead of its planned merger with Hawaiian Airlines, expected to close later this year.

For business travelers based in or frequently flying through Southern California, the enhancements translate into more flexibility, more nonstop access, and better integration with global networks.

Tickets for the new routes are available now at alaskaair.com, and expanded frequency flights will go on sale later this weekend.