Alaska Airlines launches Seattle-London nonstop

Alaska Airlines began daily, year-round nonstop service between Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and London Heathrow on May 21, 2026, adding a long-planned transatlantic route just ahead of Memorial Day weekend and the summer travel push. The Seattle-based carrier is operating the route with Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, according to Alaska and local outlet KOMO. The launch gives Alaska another long-haul international route from its Seattle hub after it started Seattle-Rome service in April. Heathrow service operates from Terminal 3, Alaska said. ### When did the Seattle-London flights actually start? May 21 was the launch date for the new Seattle-to-Heathrow service, according to Alaska Airlines and coverage by KOMO. Alaska had announced the route months earlier and said it would be daily and year-round from the outset. The inaugural flight left Seattle after a gate celebration, KOMO reported. Alaska said the first flight had arrived at Heathrow, marking the carrier’s latest step in building out long-haul flying from Seattle. ### What aircraft is Alaska using on the route? (news.alaskaair.com) The London service is being flown on Boeing 787-9 aircraft, Alaska said when it opened ticket sales and again when it launched the route. The airline described the aircraft as part of its widebody long-haul fleet for international expansion from Seattle. (komonews.com) Last month, Alaska said its new international business-class suites product would also be offered on Seattle-London flights. The airline has tied the route to a broader push to build a global network from Seattle using its 787 fleet. ### How does London fit into Alaska’s wider Seattle expansion? London is Alaska’s second European destination launched in 2026, after Seattle-Rome service began in late April, according to Alaska and KOMO. (news.alaskaair.com) The carrier has said it wants Seattle to serve as its main global gateway as it adds more intercontinental flying. (news.alaskaair.com) The Port of Seattle said earlier that London and Reykjavík would add to a growing list of international services at Sea-Tac. Alaska has said it plans to fly to at least 12 intercontinental destinations from Seattle by 2030. ### Why launch this route now? May 21 placed the start of service just before Memorial Day weekend and the opening stretch of the summer travel season. (komonews.com) KOMO said the route began as travelers prepared for heavy holiday traffic and summer bookings, and Alaska said the launch came “just ahead of the busy summer travel season.” (portseattle.org) Seattle Times reported before the launch that the London service would begin Thursday night, underscoring the timing around peak summer demand. Alaska has framed the flight as a year-round route rather than a summer-only addition. ### What should travelers know about the Heathrow side? Heathrow Terminal 3 will handle the new Alaska service, according to KOMO. (komonews.com) Alaska said the airport gives U.S.-based travelers access to one of Europe’s busiest hubs and onward links through the oneworld alliance and partner carriers. (seattletimes.com) Seattle remains the focus of the airline’s next steps. Alaska said on May 28 it plans to begin nonstop service from Seattle to Reykjavík, Iceland, following the London launch and the Rome debut in April. (komonews.com)