Air Transport

Alaska Airlines to launch longest US Boeing 737 route to Iceland

Nonstop service between Seattle and Reykjavík starts in May 2026 with seasonal flights using the 737 MAX 8
Ricardo Meier

Alaska Airlines has announced it will begin a direct seasonal service between Seattle and Reykjavík, Iceland, starting May 28, 2026. The new route will become the longest nonstop Boeing 737 flight operated by a US airline, covering 3,622 nautical miles (5,829 kilometers).

The service is scheduled to operate only during the summer, with flights expected to take approximately 7 hours and 25 minutes westbound and up to 7 hours and 55 minutes eastbound. Alaska Airlines will deploy Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, configured with 159 seats and equipped with free internet access for all passengers throughout the journey.

The introduction of the Seattle-Reykjavík route marks a notable expansion of Alaska Airlines’ international network from its Seattle hub.

Alaska Airlines new livery (Alaska Air)

The 737 MAX 8, selected for the operation, has a range suitable for the transatlantic sector and features a two-class layout, including 12 seats in First Class. The airline will also introduce a new onboard menu for premium passengers on these flights.

In addition to the Iceland service, Alaska Airlines plans to start operations with Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft to Rome and London-Heathrow in the same period, signaling a broader long-haul strategy. The company has announced intentions to launch at least 12 new international long-haul routes by 2030 as part of its growth plan.

The carrier will also undergo a brand refresh, replacing its ‘Eskimo’ tail logo with a new design inspired by the Northern Lights. This visual update is scheduled to coincide with the international expansion.

About the Author

Ricardo Meier

Ricardo Meier

Creator of the website that started in 1996 as a magazine. He also writes on Brazilian websites AUTOO, MOTOO and MetrôCPTM.

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