Alaska, Hawaiian airlines add nonstop service to 2 international destinations
Oct 20, 2026, 10:55 AM | Updated: 3:11 pm
An Alaska Airlines airplane takes off at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. (Photo courtesy of the Port of Seattle)
(Photo courtesy of the Port of Seattle)
More international destinations are soon taking flight from Seattle. Alaska Airlines announced Tuesday that two new nonstop routes are coming in 2027. Travelers will soon use the airline to visit Osaka, Japan, and Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia. This marks the eighth and ninth long-haul intercontinental destinations for Alaska as they continue to expand its network.
Trips to Osaka will run year-round, four times per week, starting in May. Main cabin fares start at $1,199 round trip.
“Known for its celebrated food culture, bustling business scene and central location in Japan’s Kansai region, Osaka offers guests access to a wider region that includes Kyoto, Nara and Kobe,” the company’s announcement stated.
Flights to Tahiti will run three times per week, starting in June. Fares start at $999 round trip.
“Located in French Polynesia on the island of Tahiti, Papeete is a gateway to the region’s islands featuring dramatic volcanic landscapes and stunning beaches,” the release read.
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Alaska Airlines rapid international growth
This year, Alaska launched new nonstop flights to Rome and Reykjavik, Iceland. The airline also flies to London, Tokyo, and Seoul, South Korea. 2027 is shaping up to be a busy year. After launching service to Osaka and Papeete, new routes to Athens and Paris take flight in October 2027. President & CEO Ben Minicucci said to expect more announcements in the future.
“We’re just getting started, with more international destinations on the horizon as we grow as the leading global airline on the West Coast,” Minicucci said.
Alaska has set a long-term goal of serving 15 long-haul destinations by 2030, which would require six more destinations. To fuel this expansion, Alaska announced in January it would purchase 110 Boeing planes over the next decade.
One month ago, the airline announced new lounges and a premium reserve cabin were on the way. The rapid growth may put a strain on employees. In August, Alaska Airlines flight attendants filed a grievance, claiming the airline has been unstaffing long-haul routes.
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