Alaska Airlines will introduce seasonal nonstop flights from Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to Athens International Airport (ATH) and Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) beginning in May 2027. The Athens route will be the first nonstop connection between the U.S. West Coast and Athens, marking a new direct transatlantic gateway for Alaska Airlines.
Flight schedules and frequencies
The Athens service will operate as flight AS196, starting May 12, 2027, with three weekly departures running through October 2027. Return flights from Athens will begin on May 13, 2027. The Paris route, operated as flight AS136, will launch on May 25, 2027, with five weekly flights
continuing through fall 2027. Return service from Paris will commence May 26, 2027.
Aircraft, fares, and onboard amenities
Both routes will be served by Alaska Airlines’ Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. Tickets for these flights went on sale on August 20, 2026, with introductory roundtrip Main Cabin fares starting at $999 through August 26, 2026. Business class passengers will receive premium amenities from Filson and Salt & Stone brands. Complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi powered by T-Mobile will be available onboard as part of a fleet-wide installation expected to continue through 2027.
Expansion of Alaska’s Seattle hub and network
Alaska Airlines currently operates over 360 peak-day departures and nonstop service to 110 destinations from Seattle.
The new Athens and Paris routes expand the airline’s international portfolio from Seattle, which already includes flights to Iceland, London, Rome, Seoul, and Tokyo. The Athens route will become Alaska’s longest service. By 2030, Alaska plans to add more than a dozen international long-haul routes from Seattle, including five new intercontinental destinations, aiming to channel West Coast travelers directly to Europe without routing through East Coast hubs.
Industry and corporate statements
CEO Ben Minicucci identified Athens and Paris among the most requested international destinations by Alaska’s Atmos Rewards loyalty program members. George Kallimasias, CEO of Athens International Airport, described the new nonstop service as
strengthening connections between Athens and the U.S. West Coast. Alaska Airlines is also collaborating with Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold on a multi-season marketing campaign highlighting the expansion of its global network.
Traveler benefits and connectivity
Travelers can book direct flights from Seattle to Athens and Paris starting May 2027, eliminating the need for connections at East Coast or Midwest hubs. The new routes integrate into Alaska’s loyalty program, providing access to onboard amenities including complimentary Wi-Fi. Travelers from across the West Coast can connect via Seattle, with same-day connections available for passengers traveling from Alaska’s broader domestic network. Introductory fares from $999 roundtrip
offer early booking incentives. The seasonal service aligns with peak European travel months from May to October/fall 2027, providing convenient access to Mediterranean and Central European destinations.
