Alaska Airlines will make history with its new Seattle–Athens route, becoming the first airline to offer nonstop service between the two cities. Seasonal flights will begin May 12, 2027, operating three times per week through October. The route will also become the only nonstop flight from the West Coast to Athens and the longest route Alaska Airlines has ever operated. Flights will depart Seattle at 4:30 p.m. and arrive in Athens at 2:20 p.m. the following day. The return flight will leave Athens at 4:20 p.m. and arrive in Seattle at 6:55 p.m. The new connection is expected to strengthen tourism, business, investment and trade between Greece and the U.S. West Coast. Athens International Airport officials called it a new bridge between the Pacific Northwest and Greece.
Just two weeks after Athens service begins, Alaska will launch another major European route: Seattle to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport. The seasonal Paris service starts May 25, 2027, with flights operating five times per week through October. Seattle departures are scheduled for 5:25 p.m., arriving in Paris at 12:25 p.m. the following day. Return flights will depart Paris at 2:25 p.m. and arrive in Seattle at 3:50 p.m. Paris has been one of the most searched international destinations on Alaska’s website, making the new nonstop service a significant addition for travelers throughout the Pacific Northwest. Alaska also says the route will make it easier for travelers from Hawaiʻi to reach Paris through Seattle, including same-day connections.
Both new European routes will be operated with Alaska Airlines’ Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, bringing the airline’s new long-haul international experience to the flights. Passengers in international Business Class will have access to lie-flat Suites, multi-course dining and premium amenities. Alaska also plans to provide complimentary high-speed Starlink Wi-Fi for Atmos Rewards members as the technology continues rolling out across its fleet. The new routes will join Alaska’s expanding international lineup from Seattle, which already includes destinations such as Reykjavík, London, Rome, Seoul and Tokyo. Alaska plans to add at least five more intercontinental destinations from Seattle by 2030. The airline says its Seattle growth will eventually include more than 12 international long-haul routes, further transforming its largest hub into a major global gateway.
The Athens and Paris announcements represent another major step in Alaska Airlines’ transformation from a primarily West Coast-focused carrier into a growing international airline. Alaska currently identifies itself as Seattle’s largest international carrier, offering more nonstop international destinations from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport than any other airline. The carrier also operates more than 360 peak-day departures and serves 110 nonstop destinations from the Seattle area. For Seattle-area travelers, the biggest advantage is simple: fewer connections and more direct access to Europe. A trip to Greece will no longer require a connection, while Paris will become significantly easier to reach from the Pacific Northwest.
Tickets for both new routes are already available for purchase, with Alaska offering introductory round-trip Main Cabin fares starting at $999 during its initial promotional period through August 26, 2026. With Athens, Paris, Rome, London and Reykjavík joining Seattle’s expanding European network, Alaska Airlines is rapidly changing the way travelers in the Pacific Northwest can reach the world.
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