Alaska Airlines Goes Transatlantic: Carrier Secures Slots for London Heathrow Launch

Alaska Airlines is poised to take a major strategic leap into long haul international flying after successfully securing takeoff and landing slots at London Heathrow Airport (LHR), one of the world’s most notoriously constrained and competitive travel hubs.

The acquisition of these slots marks a significant milestone for the Seattle based carrier, which has historically focused its network within North America, Central America, and Hawaii. The move signals Alaska’s intent to compete directly in the lucrative transatlantic market and leverage its membership in the oneworld alliance.

While Alaska Airlines has not yet officially announced the specific route details, industry observers widely expect the new service to connect Heathrow with Alaska’s primary hub at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA).

A direct Seattle-London route would allow Alaska to compete head-to-head with rival Delta Air Lines, which has aggressively expanded its international footprint from Seattle in recent years. It also complements existing services by Alaska’s fellow oneworld alliance partners, British Airways and American Airlines.

Connecting into Heathrow will allow Alaska passengers to seamlessly transfer onto the extensive global networks of British Airways and other partners flying out of London.

The move into long-haul flying represents an evolution for Alaska’s fleet and operational strategy. The airline has long operated an all-Boeing 737 narrowbody fleet (along with regional jets). The launch of nonstop flights to London will require aircraft capable of the roughly 4,800-mile journey, utilizing extended-range narrowbody variants or potentially signaling a shift toward widebody capability in the future.

The timeline for the launch of the new service has not been finalized, but with slots secured now in late 2025, flights are anticipated to begin in time for the summer 2026 travel season.