Alaska Airlines will launch daily nonstop flights between Seattle and Reykjavik beginning May 28, 2026, as part of the carrier’s aggressive international expansion strategy.
The seasonal service will operate through September 7th from Seattle, with return flights from Reykjavik running May 29th through September 8th. The route utilises Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft featuring refreshed interiors including updated bulkheads, new leather seats, and reserved overhead bin space for premium passengers.
The Iceland service complements Alaska’s partnership with Icelandair, which operates more than 35 daily departures from Reykjavik to European destinations. Passengers can book combined itineraries under single tickets, positioning Seattle as a gateway for trans-Atlantic travel via Iceland’s hub model.
All Iceland flights will include complimentary Wi-Fi, pillows, and blankets. The route represents Alaska’s strategy of leveraging Boeing 737 aircraft for medium-haul international routes rather than investing in larger wide-body planes typically used for trans-Atlantic service.
The timing coincides with Alaska’s broader European push. The airline will launch daily year-round Seattle-London service next spring, followed by seasonal Seattle-Rome flights next summer, making it the only carrier offering nonstop Pacific Northwest-Italy service.
Alaska aims to serve at least 12 intercontinental destinations from Seattle by 2030, cementing its position as a global carrier whilst maintaining its Pacific Northwest hub strategy. This ambitious expansion represents a significant shift from the airline’s historically regional focus.
However, the airline faces competitive challenges in European markets dominated by established carriers with extensive route networks and alliance partnerships. Alaska’s success will depend partly on its ability to offer competitive pricing and convenient connections through partner relationships.
The seasonal nature of the Iceland route reflects typical tourism patterns, with peak demand during northern hemisphere summer months when Iceland experiences extended daylight and milder weather. This scheduling aligns with Alaska’s strategy of maximising aircraft utilisation during peak travel periods.
For Seattle travellers, the new routes provide additional European access without connecting through traditional East Coast or European hubs. The direct Iceland service offers particular appeal for passengers seeking access to Nordic destinations or onward connections throughout Europe via Icelandair’s network.
The expansion also reflects Alaska’s confidence in Seattle’s position as an international gateway, leveraging the region’s economic growth and travel demand to support ambitious route development beyond traditional West Coast-Asia corridors.
