Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines are expanding their international networks with new year-round nonstop flights connecting Seattle with Osaka, Japan, and Papeete, Tahiti, starting in 2027. The new routes will strengthen Seattle-Tacoma International Airport’s position as a growing international hub. Both services are available for booking, subject to government approval, and will provide travelers with more convenient connections across the Pacific.
The Seattle–Osaka nonstop flight is scheduled to launch on May 14, 2027, operating four times weekly. Hawaiian Airlines-branded Airbu A330-200 aircraft will operate the service, connecting Seattle with Kansai International Airport. The route will offer travelers from across the United States easier access to Osaka and nearby destinations, including Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe, without requiring a connection through Honolulu.
Meanwhile, the Seattle–Papeete route is scheduled to begin on June 11, 2027, with three weekly flights. Papeete, located on the island of Tahiti in French Polynesia, serves as a gateway to the South Pacific. The new service will improve travel options for passengers visiting Tahiti and other popular islands, including Bora Bora and Moorea. Hawaiian Airlines will continue operating its existing Honolulu services to both Osaka and Papeete.
Both new routes will feature Airbus A330 aircraft with lie-flat business-class seating and complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi for eligible Atmos Rewards members. The expansion supports Alaska Air Group’s ambition to serve at least 15 long-haul intercontinental destinations from Seattle by 2030. By adding Osaka and Papeete, the airline group aims to strengthen its presence across Asia and the South Pacific while providing passengers with more nonstop international travel options.
