Alaska Airlines has introduced a new daily nonstop flight connecting Seattle to Tokyo Narita, operated by Hawaiian Airlines’ widebody aircraft. This marks the start of a new chapter in Alaska’s international expansion from Seattle, providing passengers with direct access to one of Asia’s most popular destinations.
With Hawaiian Airlines operating the flight, passengers will experience long-haul international service that blends Hawaiian hospitality with Alaska’s growing international reach. The route marks Alaska’s entry into widebody international flying, as the airline takes its first step toward building a broader global network from Seattle.
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport already serves as Alaska Airlines’ largest hub, offering nonstop service to 104 destinations across North America. Now, with this new route to Tokyo and a planned route to Seoul starting on September 12, Alaska Airlines is expanding its presence beyond the continent. The Tokyo and Seoul flights are the first two of 12 long-haul international routes the airline plans to launch from Seattle.
The location of Seattle makes it ideal for transpacific flights. Compared to other West Coast airports, Seattle is geographically closer to Tokyo — 7% closer than San Francisco and 13% closer than Los Angeles — providing a strategic advantage. Alaska Airlines sees this as an opportunity to make Seattle the premier West Coast gateway to Asia.
“This is a monumental step for our hometown carrier, Alaska Airlines, and a reflection of the commitment of this entire region to international travel and trade. SEA’s position as a global hub is a boon to the Pacific Northwest and provides more choices and opportunities for business and leisure travelers,” said Ryan Calkins, Port of Seattle Commissioner.
Strong demand for Tokyo service
Demand for flights between Seattle and Tokyo continues to grow. In 2024, an estimated 400 travelers per day flew between the two cities in each direction, excluding passengers connecting through other airports. Tokyo is the second-largest international destination from Seattle for both business and leisure travelers, following London and ahead of Seoul.
More than half the tickets for the Seattle-Tokyo flights sold in the United States originated from over 80 cities outside Seattle. This shows strong demand for the new service from across Alaska’s route network. Passengers from various U.S. cities can now reach Tokyo with just one stop in Seattle.
“Hawaiian has been serving the Tokyo market for nearly 15 years. We’re thrilled to open this new global gateway with Alaska, giving more Pacific Northwest travelers and beyond the opportunity to experience the award-winning hospitality that Hawaiian is known for,” said Joe Sprague, CEO at Hawaiian Airlines.
Looking ahead to more long-haul service
Alaska Airlines plans to grow its international service from Seattle using its Boeing 787-9 fleet. These widebody aircraft will support Alaska’s long-term goal of becoming a global carrier. In the meantime, passengers on the new Tokyo route will fly on Hawaiian’s Airbus A330s, which offer a full-service experience with cabin interiors and amenities that Hawaiian guests already recognize.
Hawaiian Airlines will continue to use its A330s based in Honolulu for other long-haul routes, including those serving Hawaii. The airline will begin updating these aircraft with new seating, cabin designs, and onboard products in the coming years. More information will be shared in 2026.
To celebrate the new route, Alaska Airlines introduced a special drink at its Seattle lounge. The Narita Banana cocktail was created in partnership with Westland Whiskey, based in Seattle, and Tokyo Confidential, a popular bar in Tokyo.
Mileage Plan members can also benefit from the new international flights. When booking directly through alaskaair.com, members earn at least 100% of the miles for the distance traveled, except for Saver and basic fares, which earn 30%. These miles count as elite-qualifying miles (EQMs), helping members reach elite status faster. As members hit different EQM levels, they unlock perks that enhance their travel experience.
Alaska Airlines continues to develop its international network from Seattle. With Tokyo now part of its global map and Seoul flights arriving soon, the airline looks to strengthen its role in connecting travelers between the Pacific Northwest and Asia.
