Alaska Airlines is set to expand its transatlantic footprint with new nonstop services from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to Athens International Airport (ATH) and Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), beginning in May 2027. The move positions the Seattle-based carrier as the first airline to connect the Pacific Northwest directly with the Greek capital, and the only one offering nonstop West Coast service to Athens.
The Paris route also marks a milestone: it will be the first nonstop from the West Coast operated by a oneworld alliance member to the French capital. Alaska, which joined oneworld in 2021, is leveraging its hub in Seattle to tap into strong transatlantic demand that has been growing steadily since the pandemic recovery.
Network strategy and aircraft
Flights to Athens will operate three times weekly, while Paris will see five weekly rotations. Both routes will be flown with the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, configured with lie-flat business class suites and a curated dining program. The aircraft choice underscores Alaska's push into long-haul premium travel, a segment it has been developing since taking delivery of its first 787s in 2025.
Alaska's CEO Ben Minicucci said in a statement: "We fly where our guests aspire to go, and Athens and Paris have been high on that list for years. These new routes are a direct response to the demand we see from the West Coast for seamless access to Europe."
The airline is also highlighting connectivity beyond Seattle. The new schedules will allow same-day connections from Honolulu (HNL) to Paris via Seattle, a routing that could appeal to leisure travelers from Hawaii seeking European destinations without a lengthy layover.
Introductory fares and booking details
Tickets are now on sale, with introductory roundtrip fares starting at $999 (US$999) for economy class. The promotional pricing is available until August 26, 2026, and applies to both routes. Alaska's frequent flyer program, Mileage Plan, will offer earning and redemption opportunities on the new services, which are also bookable through partner airlines in the oneworld alliance.
George Kallimasias, Managing Director and CEO of Athens International Airport, welcomed the announcement: "This new connection between Athens and Seattle is a significant step for tourism, business, and trade between Greece and the U.S. West Coast. We look forward to welcoming Alaska Airlines and its passengers."
The Athens route will be the only nonstop link between the West Coast and Greece, a gap that has been filled by connecting services via European hubs. Similarly, the Paris service adds a new option for West Coast travelers, complementing existing nonstops from Los Angeles and San Francisco operated by other carriers.
Expansion plans beyond 2027
Alaska has signaled that these two routes are just the beginning of a broader international push. The airline plans to add at least five more intercontinental destinations by 2030, reinforcing its position as Seattle's largest international carrier. The carrier has been steadily building its long-haul network since introducing flights to London Heathrow in 2021, followed by Tokyo Narita and Seoul Incheon.
Industry observers note that Alaska's strategy focuses on underserved markets from its Seattle hub, avoiding direct competition with legacy carriers on heavily saturated routes. The choice of Athens and Paris fits that pattern, as neither route currently has nonstop service from Seattle.
The announcement comes amid a wave of transatlantic expansion by U.S. carriers. Delta Air Lines, for example, recently unveiled plans for a new nonstop between Austin and Paris in 2027, a route that will compete for similar leisure and business traffic. Alaska's move, however, targets a different geographic base, and its oneworld membership could open up feed from partner airlines such as American Airlines and British Airways.
Travel advisors and corporate travel managers should note that the new flights will be bookable through all major GDS systems, including Sabre, Amadeus, and Travelport, with interline agreements expected to be finalized before launch. Alaska's corporate booking tools and NDC capabilities will also support the new routes.
For the travel trade, the Athens service offers a fresh option for clients seeking Greek island connections via Athens, while the Paris route provides an alternative to existing nonstops from other West Coast cities. Alaska's introductory fares are likely to stimulate demand, but the carrier has not indicated any plans to expand frequency beyond the initial schedule.
