Next Stop: London, Reykjavik
Alaska Airlines expands international routes with two new nonstop flights from Seattle
By Sarah Stackhouse August 7, 2025
Seattleites looking to travel abroad will soon have more direct options.
Alaska Airlines just announced it’s adding nonstop flights from Sea-Tac International Airport to London and Reykjavik in spring of 2026, building on its plans to become a global player in international travel. The England and Iceland routes follow a major reveal earlier this summer: the launch of Alaska’s first-ever direct flight to Rome, also set to begin in May.
Rome has been the most requested international destination not already served nonstop from Seattle, according to the airline. With that new route, Seattle travelers will be able to reach the Eternal City without a layover. Flights will operate four times per week, with fares going on sale this fall.
London service will run daily and year-round — a big move, considering it’s the largest intercontinental market from Seattle. More than 400 passengers travel between the two cities each day. The flight to London clocks in around 9.5 hours.
The Reykjavik route will operate daily during the summer season. Alaska Airlines plans to use its 737-8 MAX aircraft for the Iceland route, which is built for long-range flights. It’s a relatively quick one though — just over 7 hours from Sea-Tac.
This move is part of Alaska’s broader international strategy, first announced last year. The airline currently offers service to Tokyo (launched in May) and Seoul (beginning in September), and says it plans to add a dozen direct international routes by 2030.
The new flights also come with a refreshed global travel experience, including upgraded onboard service, new meal offerings, and updated entertainment options.
“With these bold moves, we are accelerating our vision to connect our guests to the world,” says Alaska Airlines CEO Ben Minicucci. “We are seizing this moment to redefine the international experience and level up.”
No official launch dates for the London and Reykjavik flights have been announced yet, but both destinations are part of a major shift for the once West Coast–focused airline.
As a longtime Alaska Airlines credit cardholder, I’m thinking it’d be pretty cool to use my annual companion fare on one of these new international flights. A spring trip to Rome doesn’t sound so bad — maybe it’s time to rethink the fine print.
Follow Us
Restaurant Roundup: Halal Bagels and Mario Party
Here’s what was served up recently in the Emerald City.
OK, we’ll say it—we love Seattle Restaurant Week, but it also gives us a little bit of anxiety and a lot of FOMO. There are just so many choices. Hundreds of restaurants, food carts, cafes, and bars can be a tad overwhelming, but 10? That’s a much more manageable number. Thankfully, Secret Seattle put together…
Toll Talk: World Cup Could Bring Higher Tunnel Rates
Seattle may see temporary toll hikes on Highway 99 during next summer’s global event.
Driving through the Highway 99 tunnel in Seattle could be pricier during next summer’s FIFA World Cup. With traffic expected to surge when the city hosts several matches, the Washington State Transportation Commission may temporarily hike tolls for the two-mile tunnel to defray additional costs associated with the international sporting event. Earlier this week, commissioners…
Harvest Moon Rising
Seattle’s skyline will glow under October’s supermoon.
If your backyard seemed unusually lit last night, that was the near-full moon showing off, and tonight will be even better. This is October’s Harvest Moon, the one that lands closest to the fall equinox and, this year, doubles as a supermoon. According to NASA, it can appear up to 30% brighter and 14% larger…
Seattle’s WALK DONT RUN Festival is a Major Success for Downtown
Featuring more than 100 local artists, the 2-mile route drew thousands throughout the day.
Last week, Seattle’s streets were abuzz with creativity during the inaugural WALK DON’T RUN art marathon. Inspired by NEPO 5K—an art event organized by local artist Klara Glosova in Chinatown International District and Beacon Hill—WALK, DONT RUN wound through the heart of the city, with dozens of installations, performances, pop-ups, open galleries, and merriment along…