Tourexpi
We’re charting a bold new course across the Atlantic with the launch of two new nonstop routes to London Heathrow and Reykjavik, Iceland, from our growing global gateway in Seattle starting next spring. We’re also debuting Alaska’s striking global exterior design that will be featured on our growing fleet of up to 17 widebody 787 Dreamliner aircraft.
Alaska Airlines is accelerating our future as a premium global carrier – growing bigger, flying farther and delivering the elevated experience our guests already know and love. As we continue our expansion journey, we’re charting a bold new course across the Atlantic with the launch of two new nonstop routes to London Heathrow and Reykjavik, Iceland,* from our growing global gateway in Seattle starting next spring. We’re also debuting Alaska’s striking global exterior design that will be featured on our growing fleet of up to 17 widebody 787 Dreamliner aircraft – part of a new global experience carrying the Alaska name.
“With these bold moves, we are accelerating our vision to connect our guests to the world. We are seizing this moment to redefine the international experience and level up. And we’re doing it with the same relentless focus on safety, care and performance that’s always defined us. I’m so proud of how our people continue to step up and deliver as we push ahead on these initiatives, with even more to come.”
– Ben Minicucci
Alaska Airlines CEO
Flights to London and Reykjavik are scheduled to begin flying in Spring 2026. They mark the fourth and fifth of at least 12 intercontinental destinations we’ll serve from our hometown airport in Seattle by 2030. Register now at alaskaair.com/london to be the first to learn about flight schedules and when you can book tickets on alaskaair.com later this fall.
Seattle-London
We’ll offer daily, year-round service to the British capital – one of the most sought-after international destinations and business markets – on our widebody 787-9 aircraft, featuring 34 enclosed suites with fully lie-flat seats in Business Class. The Seattle-London route is popular with both corporate and leisure travelers who are eager for premium onboard amenities and services. London is the largest intercontinental market from Seattle, with more than 400 passengers traveling between the two vibrant cities every day.
As a gateway to Europe, this daily flight will connect guests throughout the West Coast to London and other destinations served by Alaska’s extensive partner network. Beyond those in the Pacific Northwest, this new service will also provide guests in the states of Alaska and Hawaiʻi with conveniently timed connectivity to a highly desired market. The route offers an alternative to those seeking more flight times, greater premium seat capacity, and the ability to earn and redeem valuable miles on Alaska’s award-winning loyalty program. Alaska’s expansion into the London market, facilitated by strengthened collaborations with American Airlines and British Airways, presents significant opportunities. These alliances are expected to deepen over time, offering even greater value and connectivity to consumers.
Seattle-Reykjavik
This route will fly daily during the summer season when the days are long and bright in Iceland. Alaska will fly the route with 737-8 MAX aircraft, designed for this type of long-range flying. Iceland remains a bucket-list destination for adventure lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, and Reykjavik will continue to serve our guests as a convenient gateway to the European continent.
As we expand to new markets in Asia and Europe from Seattle, we’re introducing the first phase of a new global experience for long-haul flying to our guests on the 787-9 aircraft – an evolution of the Alaska brand that reflects a bold vision for international growth and our commitment to connecting the Pacific Northwest to destinations around the world. It starts with the striking exterior design – the livery – where the Alaska name remains but with an all-new look and feel. The 787-9s with the new livery debut in January. By spring, all Dreamliners in our fleet are scheduled to showcase the new design.
Picture Credit: © Alaska Airlines
The most interesting news


Miles & More introduces miles and Points for CO₂-offsetting packages
Members can now collect additional miles and Points when booking CO₂-offsetting packages – moving faster towards frequent flyer status while contributing to more sustainable flying


For its anniversary year: Lufthansa reinvents the onboard experience
With FOX – Future Onboard Experience – Lufthansa will introduce more individuality, comfort and signature moments on long-haul flights from spring 2026


UN Tourism to Launch First Tourism Law Observatory in the Middle East
The new Observatory will act as a knowledge hub to strengthen and harmonize tourism legislation across the region


Ryanair to open new Trapani-Marsala base in January 2026
Two aircraft, 23 routes – including 11 new destinations – and over one million passengers annually: Ryanair expands in Sicily after the scrapping of the Municipal Tax at smaller airports


Çameli Joins the Cittaslow Network – Türkiye Now Counts 27 Member Towns
In southern Denizli, Çameli has been awarded the international Cittaslow label. The region stands out for its pristine nature, traditions, and commitment to sustainable living


Travelport integrates automated commission tool to boost agent revenue
Through a new partnership with Farenexus, Travelport+ now offers real-time commission visibility, helping agencies increase profitability, reduce errors, and make smarter bookings


Eurowings Marketplace launches direct booking for codeshare flights
For the first time, customers can search, book, and check in for codeshare flights directly via the Eurowings website and app. AEGEAN Airlines and Smartwings are the first partners to join


TAT to host the second DNA Travel and Fair 2025 in Bangkok this October
From 9–12 October, the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre will showcase Thailand’s subcultures with five lifestyle zones, immersive experiences, and live performances


Spain: 10 new Festivals of National and International Tourist Interest recognised
During World Tourism Week, Spain adds six festivals of national significance and four of international significance to its official list, now totalling 164 and 86 respectively


Star Princess delivered to Princess Cruises at Fincantieri shipyard
The second Sphere-Class newbuild will debut in the Mediterranean before heading to the Caribbean and Alaska


Lufthansa unveils special livery for 100th anniversary
A Boeing 787-9 will debut a centennial design in December 2025, marking the start of Lufthansa’s anniversary year 2026


Nature, adventure and rare routes: Hapag-Lloyd Cruises launches sold-out Great Lakes season
High demand prompts five-cruise expansion in 2027 as HANSEATIC inspiration navigates rare inland waterways


Asia-Pacific highlights smart and sustainable growth at UN Tourism-PATA Forum
19th edition in Guilin focuses on data-driven policies, innovation, and regional recovery


Lufthansa Group to cut 4,000 administrative jobs by 2030 as part of digital transformation
Job reductions tied to efficiency drive, automation, and structural streamlining; Group sets new financial targets for 2028–2030


Turkish Airlines orders up to 225 Boeing aircraft
The national flag carrier has placed a major order for widebody and narrowbody jets, aiming to modernize its fleet and expand capacity through 2035


Ryanair Confirms November 12 as Start Date for 100 Percent Digital Boarding Passes
Europe’s number one airline will phase out paper passes after the autumn holiday period to ensure a smooth transition for passengers


Experiential tourism at the core of the 5th Turespaña Convention in Cáceres
From 7–9 October, Cáceres will host Spain’s main tourism forum under the theme “Experiences that transform: building better tourism”. The focus: sustainability, innovation and authentic experiences


World Rivers Day: Agoda Showcases Asia’s Most Captivating Waterways
From Vietnam’s Perfume River to Indonesia’s brilliantly blue Kali Biru – Agoda highlights river destinations that combine natural beauty, cultural heritage and local life


Delta adds nonstop service from New York to Porto
Starting May 21, 2026, Delta will connect New York-JFK with Porto, Portugal, offering direct access to one of Europe’s most vibrant coastal cities


Princess Ubolratana confers Thailand Tourism Awards on 151 winners
The 15th Thailand Tourism Awards marked three decades of industry recognition, with new Sustainability Awards reflecting global travel priorities


Four Seasons Hotel Tianjin blends nature, design and luxury
Autumn in Tianjin brings golden light and nostalgic charm
