Alaska Airlines Expands European Routes with Seasonal Nonstop Flights to Paris and Athens

Alaska Airlines is set to launch nonstop flights from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to Athens and Paris, starting in May next year. The routes will operate seasonally through October using the airline's Boeing 787-9s. This expansion will give Alaska five European destinations from Seattle, marking a significant growth in its international network.

## New Routes and Competition The additions of Paris and Athens to Alaska's network will increase competition with Delta Air Lines, which already serves these destinations from Seattle. According to Alaska's CEO Ben Minicucci, the airline is responding to customer demand, with Paris being one of the most searched destinations on its website. The new routes will also put pressure on Alaska's Dreamliner deliveries and crew resources, as the airline aims to expand its long-haul operations.

## European Network Expansion Alaska's European network has grown rapidly, with Rome Fiumicino Airport, London Heathrow Airport, and Reykjavík being added in the past year. The airline will have seven intercontinental destinations from Seattle by summer 2027, including Tokyo Narita Airport and Seoul's Incheon International Airport. The following table compares Alaska's European routes: | Destination | Frequency | Aircraft | | --- | --- | --- | | Athens | 3 weekly | Boeing 787-9 | | Paris | 5 weekly | Boeing 787-9 | | Rome | | Boeing 787-9 | | London | | Boeing 787-9 | | Reykjavík | | Boeing 737 MAX 8 |

## Competition with Delta Air Lines The expansion of Alaska's European network has led to increased competition with Delta Air Lines, which has a larger long-haul fleet and more extensive international network. Delta has responded to Alaska's growth by launching new routes and increasing frequencies, including a return to Tokyo Narita Airport in March 2027. The competition between the two airlines is expected to continue, with each trying to gain market share in the Seattle market.

## Fleet and Resource Challenges Alaska's expansion is dependent on the delivery of its Boeing 787-9s, which have been affected by production constraints. The airline has a small Dreamliner fleet, with only five aircraft in service at the end of 2025 and a sixth expected by the end of 2026. The limited fleet size and lack of redundancy may pose challenges for Alaska's operations, particularly during the peak summer season. The airline has acknowledged the risk and is working to address it, with plans to expand its Dreamliner fleet to 17 aircraft in the coming years.