Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines are expanding their international networks with two new nonstop routes from Seattle to Japan and French Polynesia in 2027. The new services will connect Seattle-Tacoma International Airport with Osaka and Papeete, offering travelers more options for journeys across the Pacific.
Two New International Routes from Seattle
Announced on October 20, 2026, the new routes form part of Alaska Air Group's broader strategy to strengthen Seattle's position as an international gateway. Hawaiian Airlines will operate both services using Airbus A330-200 aircraft.
The flights are planned to operate year-round, subject to government approval and schedule changes. They will also provide connecting opportunities for travelers arriving in Seattle from other cities across the airlines' combined network.
Seattle to Osaka: Flights Begin May 2027
The nonstop service between Seattle (SEA) and Osaka Kansai International Airport (KIX) is scheduled to begin on May 14, 2027. Flights from Seattle to Osaka will operate four times a week.
- Route: Seattle (SEA) – Osaka (KIX)
- Launch date: May 14, 2027
- Frequency: Four flights per week
- Aircraft: Airbus A330-200
- Operating airline: Hawaiian Airlines
Osaka is a major destination for Japanese food, shopping, culture and business. Its location in the Kansai region also makes it a convenient starting point for visiting Kyoto, Nara and other destinations in western Japan.
Hawaiian Airlines already serves Osaka from Honolulu. The new Seattle route will give passengers another nonstop option for reaching Japan from the United States.
Seattle to Tahiti: New Flights Start in June
The second route will connect Seattle with Papeete (PPT), the capital of French Polynesia on the island of Tahiti. The service is scheduled to begin on June 11, 2027, with three flights per week.
- Route: Seattle (SEA) – Papeete (PPT)
- Launch date: June 11, 2027
- Frequency: Three flights per week
- Aircraft: Airbus A330-200
- Operating airline: Hawaiian Airlines
The new route will make Tahiti more accessible to travelers from Seattle and other cities connected to the airline's network. Papeete also serves as a gateway to other islands in French Polynesia, including Bora Bora and Moorea, subject to available onward connections.
Hawaiian Airlines will continue operating its existing service between Honolulu and Papeete, providing travelers with an additional option through Hawaii.
What Aircraft Will Operate the New Routes?
Both routes are scheduled to use Hawaiian Airlines' Airbus A330-200 widebody aircraft. According to the airlines' announcement, passengers can expect a long-haul onboard experience that includes business-class suites, in-flight entertainment and Starlink Wi-Fi benefits for eligible Atmos Rewards members.
The aircraft choice allows the airlines to serve both destinations with a widebody jet designed for longer international journeys across the Pacific.
Why the Expansion Matters for Travelers
The new routes strengthen Seattle's connections with destinations in Asia and the South Pacific. Travelers from cities across the United States may be able to connect through Seattle instead of making additional stops elsewhere.
The Osaka service is likely to appeal to leisure travelers, business passengers and visitors exploring Japan's Kansai region. The Tahiti route offers another option for holidaymakers planning trips to French Polynesia and the wider South Pacific.
The announcement also reflects Alaska Air Group's ambition to develop a broader international network from Seattle, alongside existing and previously announced long-haul destinations.
Are Tickets Available?
The airlines announced that tickets for the new routes are on sale. Introductory round-trip fares were advertised from Seattle starting at $1,199 to Osaka and $999 to Papeete, subject to availability and applicable fare conditions. These promotional offers were announced for a limited booking period ending October 26, 2026.
Travelers should check the airlines' official booking websites for current prices, travel dates, baggage conditions and any changes to the published schedules. Promotional fares may no longer be available after the advertised booking period.
Official booking websites: Alaska Airlines | Hawaiian Airlines
What Happens Next?
The Seattle–Osaka service is scheduled to launch in May 2027, followed by the Seattle–Papeete route in June. Both services remain subject to government approval, and flight schedules may change before launch.
For travelers planning trips to Japan or French Polynesia next year, the announcement creates two additional nonstop options worth monitoring as the launch dates approach.
Official Sources
- Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines – Official announcement
- Port of Seattle – New international services from SEA
Flight schedules, fares and launch dates are subject to change. Readers should confirm details with the airlines before booking.
