Seattle-based Alaska Airlines, a well-known carrier in the United States, is significantly expanding its international network with new routes set to launch in 2025. While the airline has traditionally focused on domestic flights across the U.S., Mexico, and Central America, recent developments have pushed Alaska to broaden its horizons. A major factor in this growth was its acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines in 2023, which brought a fleet of longer-range aircraft and opened up exciting new opportunities for global service.
As part of this expansion, Alaska Airlines will introduce nonstop flights between Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and Tokyo Narita International Airport (NRT), starting on May 12, 2025. This new route represents a significant milestone for the airline, offering a direct connection between the Pacific Northwest and Japan—hubs for both business and tourism purposes.
The Seattle to Tokyo service will be operated on the Airbus A330-200, a wide-body aircraft that Alaska added to its fleet through the acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines. This long-haul jet is ideal for international travel, allowing Alaska to offer more capacity and a competitive service on routes that were previously unavailable.
This Tokyo route is just one part of Alaska Airlines’ broader strategy to strengthen its global presence. By the end of the decade, the airline plans to offer nonstop flights to at least a dozen international destinations from Seattle. Additionally, the new Tokyo service will make it easier for travelers to connect to other cities in Japan and more widely across Asia, thanks to Alaska’s partnership with Japan Airlines, a fellow member of the Oneworld Alliance.
Tickets for the new Tokyo route commencing in May are already available for booking via the Alaska Airlines website, making it easier than ever for U.S. West Coast travelers to explore all that Japan has to offer.
