Passengers in the Pacific Northwest will gain easier access to two major European capitals next year. Alaska Airlines plans to launch seasonal nonstop service from Seattle to both Athens and Paris beginning in May 2027. The additions mark the latest step in the carrier’s push into long-haul international flying after its acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines.
New Service Details
The Athens route will operate three times weekly from May 12 through October. Flights will cover the 6,196-mile distance, the longest Alaska has ever scheduled. The airline will become the first to offer regular nonstop service between Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and Athens International Airport, and the only carrier linking the Greek capital to the U.S. West Coast.
Paris service will run five times weekly starting May 25 and continuing through October. The flights will arrive at Charles de Gaulle Airport, where Alaska will compete directly with Air France and Delta Air Lines. Schedules are designed to support same-day connections onward to Honolulu, strengthening links between the carrier’s Seattle hub and its Hawaiian operations.
Expanded European Network
With the two new cities, Alaska will serve five destinations across Europe. The existing routes reach London, Rome, and Reykjavik. Combined with nonstop flights to Tokyo and Seoul, the carrier will operate seven intercontinental routes in total.
The expansion builds on aircraft originally ordered by Hawaiian Airlines. Alaska is deploying Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners on these longer sectors, using its Seattle base as the primary gateway. The move follows years of domestic and Hawaii-focused growth and positions the airline as a broader global player.
Why These Cities
Company leaders cited strong customer demand when selecting the destinations. Athens and Paris rank among the most requested cities by members of the airline’s Atmos Rewards program. Chief Executive Ben Minicucci noted that the carrier aims to serve places guests have long wanted to reach.
The seasonal schedules align with peak summer travel periods when leisure demand for Europe typically rises. Both routes will offer lie-flat seating in premium cabins and the ability to earn and redeem miles on the new services.
Impact on Travelers
The new flights reduce the need for connections through East Coast or European hubs for many West Coast passengers. Travelers can now reach Athens or Paris without changing planes, potentially shortening total travel time and simplifying baggage handling.
Frequency and timing also support onward journeys. Passengers heading to Hawaii can connect through Seattle or continue from Paris on the same day in some cases. The changes give frequent flyers additional ways to use accumulated rewards on international itineraries.
