Crossing the Atlantic: Alaska Airlines Adds Nonstop Seattle Flights to Athens and Paris

West Coast travelers heading to Europe are getting two major new options. Alaska Airlines has officially announced direct, long-haul routes connecting Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) directly to Athens, Greece, and Paris, France, launching in May 2027.

The expansion cements the carrier’s rapid growth into intercontinental markets following its acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, positioning Seattle as a major transpacific and transatlantic gateway.

Connecting the Pacific Northwest to the Mediterranean and Beyond

The new routes offer direct access to two of Europe's top summer destinations, cutting out traditional layovers on the East Coast or in Central Europe.

• Seattle to Athens (ATH): Launching May 12, 2027, the seasonal route operates three times weekly. Alaska becomes the first airline to connect Seattle and Athens with a direct flight and the only carrier offering a nonstop connection between the U.S. West Coast and Greece. In a nod to historic roots, the route will carry flight number AS196—honoring 1896, the year of the first modern Olympic Games held in Athens.
• Seattle to Paris (CDG): Launching May 25, 2027, the five-times-weekly service to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport establishes Alaska as the first oneworld alliance airline to offer direct flights between the West Coast and Paris.

Both services will operate on Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners featuring lie-flat business class suites, upgraded in-flight dining, and high-speed Starlink Wi-Fi. Introductory roundtrip fares are currently available through Alaska Airlines, while regional flight schedules and alliance perks can be referenced via oneworld.

Building a Global Hub at Sea-Tac

The addition of Athens and Paris brings Alaska’s long-haul international roster out of Seattle to seven intercontinental destinations, joining previously announced routes to London, Rome, Reykjavik, Tokyo, and Seoul.

To support the growth, Alaska is ramping up toward 12 long-haul international destinations by 2030 and preparing to open a flagship 41,000-square-foot lounge at Sea-Tac in late 2027. The new space will include a dedicated upper level designed specifically for long-haul international passengers.