Alaska Airlines will begin nonstop seasonal flights from Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to Athens International Airport (ATH) and Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) starting May 2027. The Seattle to Athens route, designated as flight AS196, will launch on May 12, 2027, operating three times weekly through October 2027 with return flights commencing May 13, 2027. The Seattle to Paris service, flight AS136, begins May 25, 2027, scheduled five times per week through the fall with return flights starting May 26, 2027.
Aircraft, Route Milestones and Fare Details
Both new routes will operate using Alaska Airlines’ Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. The Athens flight will be Alaska’s
longest-ever route, marking the first nonstop connection between the U.S. West Coast and the Greek capital. The Paris flight is notable as the first nonstop service from a West Coast airport to Paris Charles de Gaulle operated by a oneworld alliance member. Tickets went on sale on August 20, 2026, with introductory roundtrip Main Cabin fares starting at $999 for U.S. travelers through August 26, 2026. Both flights are integrated into Alaska’s loyalty program, Atmos Rewards.
Alaska Airlines’ Long-Haul Strategy and Seattle Hub Expansion
These new routes reflect Alaska Airlines’ strategy to expand transatlantic long-haul flights from Seattle, aiming to operate more than 12 international long-haul routes from
this hub by 2030. The airline currently offers nonstop flights from Seattle to destinations including Iceland, London, Rome, Seoul, and Tokyo. Alaska plans to add at least five additional intercontinental destinations by the end of the decade. Leveraging its Seattle hub, Alaska intends to channel domestic West Coast traffic onto direct European routes, bypassing traditional East Coast or Midwest connection points.
Industry and Local Leadership Responses
Alaska Airlines CEO Ben Minicucci said Paris and Athens have long been the most requested international destinations among Atmos Rewards members. Athens International Airport’s Managing Director and CEO George Kallimasias welcomed the nonstop Seattle-Athens route, noting the new connection
as a bridge enhancing ties between the U.S. and Greece. Alaska’s expansion positions Seattle as a global gateway, strengthening its transatlantic presence.
Impact on Travelers and Booking Information
The new nonstop flights reduce travel times and connection risks for passengers traveling from the U.S. West Coast to Europe by eliminating layovers in East Coast or Midwest hubs. The Athens route provides direct access to the Mediterranean, while Paris offers a gateway to Central Europe. Travelers can now book these seasonal flights beginning May 2027. Loyalty members on these routes will also benefit from complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi powered by T-Mobile. The launch coincides with peak travel demand
in late spring and summer, addressing customer demand identified through loyalty program data.
