Alaska Airlines to Launch Seattle Flights to Athens and Paris
Alaska Airlines will begin nonstop service from Seattle to Athens and Paris in May, adding to its existing European routes. The carrier now serves five European cities and seven intercontinental destinations overall. This expansion follows its acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines and the use of Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners.
The new Athens route marks a milestone for Alaska, becoming its longest-ever flight at roughly 6,196 miles and the only nonstop service between the West Coast and the Greek capital. Flights run three times weekly from mid-May through October, with Seattle departures at 4:30 p.m. and return legs leaving Athens the following afternoon.
Paris service will place Alaska in direct competition with Air France and Delta at Charles de Gaulle Airport. The carrier's intercontinental push stems from its 2024 acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, which supplied the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners now powering these long-haul routes. Alaska's CEO credited member demand through its Atmos Rewards program for shaping the destination choices.
This expansion could reshape travel options for Pacific Northwest residents, who gain more direct access to Europe without connecting through other hubs. Increased competition on the Seattle-Paris route may pressure fares and service quality. Frequent flyers could benefit from more redemption opportunities, while Alaska's growth as a global carrier may influence how other U.S. airlines approach West Coast international service.