Alaska Airlines Adds Athens and Paris to European Routes

Alaska Airlines is significantly expanding its international route network by introducing nonstop flights from Seattle to Athens, Greece, and Paris, France, commencing in May. These new routes mark a substantial acceleration in the carrier's global expansion strategy, bringing its total European destinations to five. Prior to 2025, Alaska Airlines had exclusively operated flights within North America and to Hawaii. The addition of Athens and Paris elevates the airline's intercontinental service to seven destinations, including two in Asia (Tokyo and Seoul) and the aforementioned five in Europe, which also comprise London, Rome, and Reykjavik, Iceland.

The strategic expansion is facilitated by the airline's 2024 acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, which provided access to Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners originally ordered by Hawaiian. Alaska Airlines aims to establish itself as the fourth major global airline in the United States, leveraging its Seattle hub as a primary gateway for its new long-haul services. The selection of Athens and Paris as new destinations was influenced by their status as highly requested locations by members of Atmos Rewards, the airline's frequent flyer program, highlighting the growing impact of customer preference on route planning.

Alaska Airlines CEO Ben Minicucci stated that the airline prioritizes flying to destinations where its customers aspire to travel, with Athens and Paris being long-standing high-demand locations. He further indicated that the airline plans to operate over 12 international long-haul routes from Seattle in the coming years, providing travelers with enhanced connectivity and more opportunities to utilize their Atmos Rewards points. The new service to Athens is particularly notable as Alaska Airlines will be the first carrier to offer regularly scheduled flights between Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and Athens International Airport (ATH). Furthermore, it will be the sole airline operating direct flights to Athens from the U.S. West Coast. This service to Athens will be seasonal, beginning on May 12 and operating three times per week until October.

The expansion into European markets signifies a major shift for Alaska Airlines, moving beyond its traditional regional focus. The use of Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, aircraft known for their long-haul capabilities and fuel efficiency, underscores the airline's commitment to developing a robust international presence. By connecting Seattle to major European cultural hubs like Athens and Paris, Alaska Airlines is positioning itself to compete more directly with established global carriers and cater to a growing demand for international travel among its customer base. The integration of frequent flyer feedback into route selection demonstrates a modern approach to airline network development, aiming to maximize customer loyalty and operational efficiency.