On 22 May 2026, Alaska Airlines (AS) landed at London Heathrow (LHR) for the first time, operating the route with its Boeing 787-9. This service marks the carrier’s second transatlantic route, following its inaugural flight to Rome Fiumicino (FCO) in April.
The Alaska expansion
The London route is part of a broader push into international markets, with Alaska adding five new intercontinental destinations: Seoul, Tokyo Narita, Reykjavik, London and Rome. To secure its Heathrow presence, the airline signed a slot pair agreement with American Airlines, covering the IATA 2026 summer season.
This route is scheduled to operate daily out of London Heathrow’s Terminal 3, which facilitates convenient connections to additional destinations across Europe and beyond on oneworld member airlines and additional global partners.
Alaska Airlines’ Chief Commercial Officer, Andrew Harrison commented,
“For our guests in the US, we’re opening more convenient access to Europe.”
For travellers coming the other way, the airline is promising its “signature West Coast hospitality” throughout the journey.
Strengthening oneworld’s presence at Heathrow
Alaska Airlines joins as the 14th oneworld carrier to operate at London Heathrow. Ross Baker, Heathrow’s Chief Commercial Officer, noted that the new service,
“opens up opportunities for travel and trade between the UK and the US West Coast.”
Back home, Alaska is also investing in the lounge experience. A new lounge at Seattle-Tacoma is due to open in late 2027, spanning over 41,000 sq ft, which would make it the largest airline lounge in Seattle Tacoma International and one of the biggest in the US.
What do you think about Alaska’s strategy? Let us know in the comments.
