Alaska Airlines has officially confirmed the launch date for its highly anticipated nonstop international service between Seattle and Seoul Incheon, marking a major milestone in its long-term strategy to transform Seattle into the West Coast’s premier global air gateway. Beginning September 12, 2025, travelers will be able to fly directly from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to Seoul Incheon International Airport (ICN) on board Hawaiian Airlines’ widebody Airbus A330-200 aircraft, offering a new level of comfort and connectivity between the Pacific Northwest and South Korea.

A New Era for Transpacific Tourism from the Pacific Northwest

This new route is a key component of Alaska’s growing global network and strengthens Seattle’s appeal as a launch point for international tourism and business travel. As Alaska Airlines integrates operations with Hawaiian Airlines, it is unlocking new transpacific routes designed to serve both leisure and VFR (visiting friends and relatives) travelers.

The new service comes just in time for Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving), one of South Korea’s most culturally significant holidays, offering a timely travel option for passengers planning visits with family or exploring cultural experiences in Seoul.

Daily flights to Tokyo Narita are also set to launch on May 12, 2025, further establishing Seattle as a key U.S. hub for travelers heading to East Asia.

Route Details and Travel Schedule: Seattle–Seoul Incheon

All times are local. This initial September schedule reflects five weekly flights, with the airline aiming to grow capacity in 2026.

Seattle: The Future Global Gateway of the West Coast

Seattle already serves as Alaska Airlines’ largest hub, with 104 nonstop connections across North America. The airline’s expansion into long-haul international markets will further connect travelers from places like Anchorage, Portland, San Francisco, and Los Angeles to major Asian cities through seamless connections at SEA.

“With our robust network, we can connect our guests through Seattle for convenient nonstop service to Seoul and Tokyo,” said Andrew Harrison, Chief Commercial Officer at Alaska Airlines. “We’ll continue expanding to dynamic destinations that travelers love.”

By 2030, Alaska aims to operate at least 12 nonstop international routes with widebody aircraft out of Seattle. The addition of Seoul and Tokyo puts the airline well on its way to meeting that target, with more announcements expected in the coming years.

Hawaiian Airlines to Operate Long-Haul Flights Under Alaska Brand

While Alaska Airlines will operate the route, flights will be served by Hawaiian Airlines aircraft—a significant milestone in the ongoing integration between the two carriers under Alaska Air Group. This strategic alignment will enable both airlines to leverage widebody fleet strengths and international route authorizations, especially to high-demand Asia-Pacific destinations.

Passengers on this route can expect Hawaiian’s signature onboard service and hospitality, now paired with Alaska’s growing international reach and award-winning loyalty program.

A Boost to U.S.–Korea Travel and Tourism Recovery

This new service is expected to significantly boost inbound tourism to South Korea while supporting outbound demand from Korean-American communities in the Pacific Northwest. According to travel analysts, Seattle–Seoul is one of the most requested international routes without direct service by a U.S. carrier.

With demand surging for post-pandemic cultural exploration, heritage travel, and business trips, this connection is seen as a timely and lucrative addition to the U.S.–Asia travel corridor. Additionally, the route opens doors for further connections throughout East Asia via Alaska’s global airline partnerships, including members of the oneworld Alliance.

Sustainable Growth Through Fleet Expansion and Connectivity

While the Airbus A330-200 will initially serve the route, Alaska Airlines has revealed plans to eventually introduce its flagship Boeing 787 Dreamliner to the Seattle–Seoul route. The 787 offers enhanced fuel efficiency, reduced emissions, and long-range comfort for transpacific travel.

As part of its broader sustainability goals and United States–Asia expansion strategy, Alaska aims to:

• Increase available international seat capacity
• Expand premium offerings for long-haul travel
• Reduce carbon emissions per passenger
• Provide new job opportunities and community investments in the Pacific Northwest

Travelers can also redeem miles and earn rewards through the Mileage Plan and HawaiianMiles loyalty programs. As Hawaiian joins the oneworld Alliance in 2026, passengers will benefit from expanded global mileage earning and elite perks across over 1,000 international destinations.

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