Alaska Airlines Fuels Global Expansion with Launch of New European Routes | News
Alaska Airlines has launched daily nonstop service between Seattle and London Heathrow, strengthening its position as the fourth largest global airline in the US and its international network. The year-round service is Alaska’s second European destination to be introduced this year, starting just before the busy summer season. Last month, the airline launched its first-ever transatlantic route to Rome, and on May 28 it will begin non-stop flights to Reykjavík, Iceland.
“As we connect the West Coast to Europe in new ways, our focus is on delivering a meaningful experience that feels distinctly Alaska – warm, thoughtful and elevated at every touchpoint,” said Andrew Harrison, Chief Commercial Officer at Alaska Airlines. “For our guests in the US, we are providing easier access to Europe on the airline they know and love, and for our guests in Europe and beyond, we are bringing our signature West Coast hospitality every step of the journey, reflecting the comfort and care we are known for.”
Alaska’s daily service will depart from London Heathrow’s Terminal 3, giving US guests a seamless way to reach one of the world’s most iconic cities or enjoy convenient connections to other destinations across Europe and beyond with oneworld member and partner airlines. The new route also opens the door for British travelers to explore the Pacific Northwest and connect beyond Seattle via Alaska Airlines’ extensive West Coast network, including the Hawaiian Islands.
When traveling internationally, Alaska Lounge+ members have access to select partner lounges around the world, including the Admirals Club at London Heathrow, while guests in Alaska’s international business class Suites and oneworld Sapphire and Emerald members have access to partner lounges regardless of cabin.
“Every new route launched from Heathrow gives passengers and businesses more choice and stronger connections to the world,” said Ross Baker, Chief Customer Officer of London Heathrow Airport. “Alaska Airlines’ new service to Seattle further strengthens our transatlantic network, creating opportunities for travel and trade between the UK and the US West Coast. By working closely with airline partners like Alaska, we can deliver the connectivity passengers and businesses want – and keep the UK globally competitive.”
Connecting these two cities with vibrant business communities goes beyond just technology and finance workers. The freight capacity this route enables will provide companies in North America and Great Britain with more options to move their goods across Alaska’s extensive network. Whether it’s seafood from Alaska and Hawaii or hops from the Northwest, the 787’s capacity and Alaska Air Cargo’s reputation for customer service will help strengthen the connection across the pond.
On May 28, Alaska will launch nonstop seasonal service to Reykjavík as the third European destination in its growing global network. The daily route coincides with Iceland’s high season and takes guests to one of the best viewing spots in the world for the August 2026 total solar eclipse.
From Iceland, guests can easily connect to Alaska’s many partner airlines to further explore Europe, including Icelandair, which offers more than 35 daily departures from the country’s capital. And thanks to Alaska’s partnership with Icelandair, guests traveling in First Class or as Atmos™ Rewards Gold, Platinum or Titanium elites also have access to Icelandair’s Saga Lounge at Keflavík International Airport.
Coming soon: Alaska’s largest historic lounge investment
As Alaska expands its international footprint, the airline is also introducing a new world-class lounge at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, a key part of its broader investment in the global guest experience.
When the new global Alaska Lounge opens in late 2027, it will be the largest airline lounge in Seattle and one of the largest in the country. Spanning more than 41,000 square feet with approximately 700 seats over two levels, the sophisticated design features showers, multiple premium bars, a la carte dining and chef-curated seasonal menus unlike anything else in the Alaska Lounge network.
The main level welcomes Alaska Lounge members, day pass guests and eligible First Class guests. The upper level will serve long-haul international travelers, serving suites and lie-down guests, as well as eligible Atmos Titanium members traveling internationally. Both floors offer freshly prepared, locally inspired cuisine, Pacific Northwest beers and craft cocktails, and handcrafted espresso drinks.
Located in Seattle’s newly renovated C Concourse, the Alaska Lounge offers expansive views of the Olympic Mountains and the airport below. The project is part of Alaska’s multi-million investment in its lounge network, which includes a new location in Portland opening this summer, along with the airline’s first lounge in San Diego and a new, expanded lounge in Honolulu, both scheduled to open in early 2028.
A more connected global journey
The Seattle lounge builds on Alaska’s previously announced international business class Suites experience on the airline’s growing fleet of 787-9 Dreamliners. The Suites experience represents the beginning of Alaska’s next era in long-haul travel, a carefully designed journey from curb to cabin, with additional enhancements coming soon.
The Suites experience now flies to Incheon, London and Rome and will also debut on Seattle-Tokyo service this fall with the return of the 787 to the market. With 34 international business class seats, guests traveling in the suites can enjoy a refined journey, including luxurious Filson-designed bedding and travel essentials with Salt & Stone products, a multi-course dinner, a customizable Salt & Straw dessert service and a regionally inspired meal before landing.
Alaska’s new exclusive check-in lobby for Suites and Atmos Titanium guests is now open in Seattle, allowing for a seamless start to their journey. The Seattle Suites lobby is an exclusive experience with special TSA access and is open to immediate family or up to two guests on the same reservation. Dedicated check-in lanes for Suites and Titanium members will soon be introduced in key Alaska hubs including Anchorage, Portland, San Francisco and Los Angeles, and internationally in Rome, Tokyo and Seoul, with London and Reykjavík to follow from today.
Guests traveling to and from Reykjavík on a Boeing 737-8 MAX will enjoy an enhanced onboard experience. First Class guests receive soft Filson-designed blankets, pillows and a Filson travel essentials pack filled with Salt & Stone products. Guests in the Main Cabin are treated to a complimentary meal service, including a hot main course, small salad and dessert, with vegetarian options available. Premium Class guests can also choose from Alaska’s new Premium Snack Basket to complement their meal. The experience comes with a curated lineup of West Coast drinks, both non-alcoholic and alcoholic, such as the Cloud Cruiser IPA from Seattle-based Fremont Brewing or Canoe Ridge Chardonnay from Walla Walla, WA.
Alaska is currently installing its entire 737-8 MAX fleet with ultra-fast Wi-Fi so guests can stay connected en route to Reykjavík, free of charge thanks to T-Mobile and powered by Starlink. Alaska recently became the first airline in the world to equip its entire regional fleet with Starlink; and, together with Hawaiian Airlines, will become the first U.S. airline to offer Starlink on 100% of its widebody fleet this fall, when Starlink’s installation on its Dreamliner fleet is complete.
Atmos Rewards members enjoy gate-to-gate connectivity, allowing streaming, browsing and messaging throughout the journey. Membership is free and allows guests to earn miles toward future travel on Alaska and its oneworld partner airlines.
With new flights to Rome, London and Reykjavík, Alaska brings together extensive international service and a powerful combined network with Hawaiian Airlines. Together, these investments mark a new chapter in Alaska’s global growth, designed to connect guests to more of the world in a comfortable and caring way – the Alaska way.
