Alaska Airlines Adds Direct Flights to Athens and Paris from Seattle Gateway

Seattle’s hometown carrier expands transatlantic options with nonstops to Greece and France, bringing its intercontinental portfolio to seven destinations while teaming up with NFL star Sam Darnold.

Seattle’s Hometown Airline Expands European Reach

In a milestone move that redefines transatlantic travel from the Pacific Northwest, Alaska Airlines has officially announced the addition of two major European capitals to its long-haul network: Athens, Greece (ATH) and Paris, France (CDG). Departing directly from its primary hub at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), these new nonstop routes mark a dramatic expansion for the carrier as it continues to consolidate its position as Seattle’s premier international airline.

Picture: Bill Roth / ADN

Scheduled to launch in spring 2027, the dual route rollout represents a strategic leap forward in Alaska Airlines’ broader vision to transform Seattle into a powerful global aviation gateway. As travelers demand more direct connectivity without the hassle of multi-leg layovers, Alaska is answering by directly linking West Coast business and leisure travelers to Western Europe and the Mediterranean.

Strengthening Seattle’s Position as an Aviation Hub

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport has experienced steady growth in international passenger volume over the past decade. By introducing nonstop service to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport and Athens International Airport, Alaska Airlines is not merely offering new destination options—it is actively reshaping how travelers on the US West Coast access Europe.

With these two additions, Alaska Airlines will serve seven intercontinental destinations directly out of Seattle. This expanding global footprint ensures that local Pacific Northwest residents, as well as connecting passengers from across North America, enjoy seamless travel under a unified, high-quality service standard.

Historic Direct Connection: Seattle to Athens

The introduction of direct flights between Seattle and Athens is nothing short of historic. Alaska Airlines becomes the first carrier ever in aviation history to offer a direct nonstop link between Seattle and the Greek capital. Furthermore, when service commences in May 2027, Alaska will hold the distinction of being the only airline providing direct, nonstop service connecting the entire West Coast of the United States to Athens.

Opening the Door to the Mediterranean

Athens has long been one of the most requested European destinations among travelers originating from Washington State and the broader West Coast. Traditionally, passengers flying to Greece were forced to endure lengthy layovers in London, Frankfurt, or Eastern Seaboard hubs like New York and Boston. Alaska's direct flight drastically cuts total travel time, providing a streamlined, comfortable alternative for holidaymakers and cultural enthusiasts.

Unlocking Aegean Connections

Beyond serving those eager to explore the Acropolis, historic landmarks, and vibrant culture of Athens, this route acts as a gateway to the Greek islands—including Santorini, Mykonos, and Crete—as well as southeastern Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean region.

Connecting the West Coast to Paris with oneworld Synergy

Equally notable is the launch of Alaska Airlines' new nonstop service between Seattle and Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport. When flights begin next spring, Alaska will achieve another major industry milestone: becoming the first oneworld alliance airline to offer nonstop transatlantic service directly linking the West Coast of the United States to Paris.

Serving a Premier Transatlantic Travel Market

Paris consistently ranks among the top international travel destinations for residents of the Pacific Northwest. The French capital serves as a major global epicenter for business, technology, fashion, gastronomy, and international diplomacy. By placing Paris on its route map, Alaska Airlines fulfills a core request of its corporate partners and frequent flyers who require direct access to continental Europe's second-largest economy.

Seamless Global Connectivity Through oneworld

As a key member of the global oneworld alliance, Alaska Airlines enables seamless single-ticket travel, baggage transfers, and reciprocal elite status recognition for travelers. The Paris route enhances oneworld’s overall network presence, complementing partner operations across Europe and facilitating frictionless global travel for alliance loyalty members.

Partnering with NFL Star Quarterback Sam Darnold for Hometown Pride

To celebrate its expanding global horizons and deep roots in the Pacific Northwest community, Alaska Airlines has launched a multi-season marketing partnership with Seattle’s star quarterback, Sam Darnold. The campaign, themed around "New Turf and Hometown Pride," connects the thrill of elite athletic performance with the excitement of exploring new global destinations.

Celebrating "New Turf" at Home and Abroad

The collaboration highlights shared values of performance, precision, and local community engagement. As Darnold takes the field to represent Seattle on gridirons across the nation, Alaska Airlines takes Seattle’s spirit to new international territories.

The multi-year agreement with Sam Darnold includes community outreach programs, youth athletics support in the Puget Sound area, and exclusive promotional events for loyal fans and travelers. This partnership reinforces Alaska Airlines' identity not just as a global carrier, but as an integral part of Seattle's sports and cultural fabric.

Elevating Atmos™ Rewards & Introductory Pricing

The announcement of the Athens and Paris routes represents a major victory for members of Alaska’s loyalty program, Atmos™ Rewards. Internal data from Alaska Airlines reveals that both European cities have continuously ranked at the top of member-requested destinations for mileage redemptions and elite tier earnings.

Maximizing Atmos™ Rewards Benefits

Atmos™ Rewards members can now book award travel directly on these new routes, enjoying competitive redemption rates and status accrual. Key benefits include:

• Priority Upgrades: Elite members gain priority access to premium cabin upgrades on long-haul aircraft.
• Lounge Access: Eligible status holders can access lounge facilities before departure at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and partner lounges in Paris and Athens.
• Global Mileage Earning: Earn mileage credits usable across all 13+ oneworld global partner airlines.

Book Now: Introductory Fares Starting at $999

Tickets for both Athens International Airport (ATH) and Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) are officially available for purchase online at alaskaair.com starting today.

To mark this momentous route release, Alaska Airlines is offering special introductory roundtrip Main Cabin fares starting at $999. These promotional fares are available for purchase within the United States through August 26.

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