Alaska Airlines has officially scheduled the commencement of nonstop service between Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and Seoul Incheon International Airport (ICN), to be operated by its subsidiary, Hawaiian Airlines.
The new route is set to launch on 12 September 2025, utilizing the Airbus A330-200. The widebody aircraft is eminently suited to transpacific long-haul operations.
The airline group initially disclosed plans for this international expansion in December 2024, signaling a strategic enhancement of its global network.
Establishment of Seattle as Key Hub
The integration of Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines is progressively establishing Seattle as a leading West Coast hub for international aviation.
By 2030, Alaska Air Group aims to operate nonstop flights to a minimum of 12 international destinations from SEA using widebody aircraft.
Alongside the Seoul Incheon service, daily flights to Tokyo Narita International Airport (NRT) are scheduled to begin on May 12, 2025. C
urrently, Alaska’s Seattle hub is the largest on the West Coast, supporting 104 nonstop destinations across North America, facilitating seamless connectivity and operational efficiency.
Andrew Harrison, Chief Commercial Officer at Alaska Airlines, emphasized the strategic importance of this development. “Our extensive network enables seamless nonstop access from Seattle to key Asian markets such as Seoul and Tokyo.”
“Through partnerships with global carriers, we can further extend connectivity across the region.” Harrison also noted that additional international routes are under consideration, targeting high-demand destinations to meet evolving passenger preferences.
Strategic Timing of Seoul Inauguration
The Seoul Incheon service is tactically timed to commence prior to Chuseok, a significant South Korean holiday also referred to as Korean Thanksgiving.
Observed in early October 2025, this cultural event drives substantial travel demand. It offers passengers the opportunity to experience Hawaiian Airlines’ acclaimed inflight service during a peak travel period.
Alaska Airlines has also indicated plans to transition the route to its state-of-the-art Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The switch will enhance operational performance and passenger experience in the near term.
Alaska Air Group
Alaska Air Group oversees Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, and Horizon Air. In addition, McGee Air Services provides ground support as an Alaska Airlines subsidiary.
The group operates hubs in Seattle, Honolulu, Portland, Anchorage, Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco. From this network, the group serves over 140 destinations across North America, Latin America, Asia, and the Pacific.
As a member of the oneworld Alliance, Hawaiian Airlines slated to join in 2026. The group offers mileage accrual and redemption opportunities across more than 1,000 global destinations. The affiliation reinforces its competitive position in the aviation sector.
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