Alaska Airlines Expands European Network With New Athens and Paris Routes

Alaska Airlines Adds Athens and Paris Routes

Alaska Airlines will launch nonstop flights from Seattle to Athens and Paris in May 2027, expanding its European network and adding new long-haul services from its Seattle hub.

The Athens service will begin on May 12, 2027, with three weekly Boeing 787-9 flights through October. The route will be the first nonstop link between Seattle and the Greek capital, and Alaska says it will become its longest route and the only direct connection between the West Coast and Athens.

The Paris service will begin on May 25, 2027, with five weekly flights through October. Alaska says it will become the first oneworld airline to operate nonstop between the West Coast and Paris, although the market is already served by Delta and Air France.

According to Alaska, the Paris schedule will allow same-day connections from Honolulu through Seattle.

Alaska Airlines Chief Executive Ben Minicucci said the new routes respond to customer demand, noting that Athens and Paris have been high on customers’ travel lists for years.

Athens International Airport Chief Executive George Kallimasias said the new connection could support tourism, business, investment and trade between Greece and the U.S. West Coast. Alaska assigned flight number AS196 to the Athens route in recognition of 1896, when Athens hosted the first modern Olympic Games.

Flight Details and Schedule

Seattle–Athens will launch on May 12, 2027, departing Seattle at 4:30 p.m. and arriving in Athens at 2:20 p.m. the following day, with three weekly flights.

The return Athens–Seattle service will begin May 13, departing at 4:20 p.m. and arriving at 6:55 p.m., also three times weekly.

Seattle–Paris will launch May 25, departing Seattle at 5:25 p.m. and arriving in Paris at 12:25 p.m. the following day, with five weekly flights.

The return Paris–Seattle service will begin May 26, departing Paris at 2:25 p.m. and arriving at 3:50 p.m., five times weekly.

Alaska’s Long-Haul Expansion

Alaska began its long-haul expansion from Seattle with services to Tokyo Narita and Seoul Incheon, using aircraft and operating expertise gained through its acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines.

The airline later announced its first nonstop Seattle–Rome service before adding London Heathrow and Reykjavík. London service began in May 2026 with daily Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner flights.

Management has set a target of at least 12 intercontinental destinations from Seattle by 2030.

Delta’s Response

Delta has not announced a new response to Alaska’s Athens and Paris expansion. Delta already operates nonstop service to Paris and has extensive Air France connections at Charles de Gaulle, established corporate relationships and a large long-haul fleet.

Delta previously responded to Alaska’s international expansion by adding competing Seattle–Rome service after Alaska announced Rome, introducing Barcelona and opening a combined Delta One Lounge and Sky Club at Sea-Tac.

In August, Delta also announced the return of daily Seattle–Tokyo Narita flights, a route already operated by Alaska.

Alaska carried 50.7% of all Sea-Tac passengers in 2025, compared with Delta’s 24.1%. In international traffic, however, Delta held 24.8% compared with Alaska’s 14.7%, according to the Port of Seattle.

Further International Expansion

Within three years of completing its acquisition of Hawaiian, Alaska will have assembled a seven-destination intercontinental network from Seattle, introduced a Dreamliner product under its own brand, entered major markets including London and Paris, and opened the city’s first nonstop links to Rome and Athens.

Alaska also intends to promote the new international services through a multi-year partnership with Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold. His first campaign will promote Paris and Athens through advertising, social content and appearances alongside airline employees.

The airline’s Athens and Paris expansion adds a new direct connection between Seattle and Greece while placing Alaska directly into Delta’s established Paris market.