Alaska Airlines Expands West Coast Operations While Air France Launches New Transatlantic Route

Aviation news is buzzing with significant network changes from two major airlines. Alaska Airlines is set to introduce a series of new routes and adjust its operations across key West Coast hubs, while Air France is launching a highly anticipated new route connecting Las Vegas directly to Paris. These developments signal strategic shifts in route planning for both carriers in the coming year.

Key Takeaways

• Alaska Airlines is adding 13 new and returning routes, focusing on growth at San Diego and Portland.
• The airline will also reduce operations at Los Angeles and San Francisco.
• Air France will commence a new seasonal route from Las Vegas to Paris in April 2026.

Alaska Airlines’ West Coast Network Shakeup

Alaska Airlines is significantly reshaping its route network for 2026, with a particular emphasis on expanding its presence at its fastest-growing West Coast hubs: San Diego International Airport (SAN) and Portland International Airport (PDX). The carrier plans to launch nonstop service to two new U.S. cities: Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Arcata-Eureka Airport (ACV) in Northern California.

This expansion includes 13 new or returning routes. San Diego will benefit from three entirely new routes, including service to Tulsa. Portland will see four new or returning routes. These changes come as Alaska Airlines aims to be disciplined with its aircraft fleet in 2026 due to fewer new aircraft deliveries.

However, the expansion comes with cutbacks at two of Alaska’s largest West Coast hubs: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO). The airline stated that while these decisions are difficult, LAX and SFO remain key markets.

Alaska’s 13 New and Returning Routes:

• San Diego (SAN) to Dallas Fort Worth (DFW): April 22 (twice daily)
• San Diego (SAN) to Oakland (OAK): April 22 (four times daily)
• San Diego (SAN) to Raleigh-Durham (RDU): April 22 (daily)
• San Diego (SAN) to Santa Barbara (SBA): April 22 (twice daily)
• San Diego (SAN) to Tulsa (TUL): March 18 (daily)
• Portland (PDX) to Baltimore/Washington (BWI): May 13 (daily during summer)
• Portland (PDX) to Idaho Falls (IDA): May 13 (daily)
• Portland (PDX) to Philadelphia (PHL): May 13 (daily during summer)
• Portland (PDX) to St. Louis (STL): May 13 (daily during summer)
• Seattle (SEA) to Arcata-Eureka (ACV): April 8 (daily)
• Seattle (SEA) to Tulsa (TUL): March 19 (daily)
• Burbank (BUR) to Honolulu (HNL): May 13 (daily during summer)
• Ontario (ONT) to Santa Rosa (STS): March 18 (daily)

Air France Launches New Las Vegas to Paris Route

In a significant move for international travel, Air France has announced the launch of a new nonstop route connecting Las Vegas’ Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) with Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG). This new service is set to begin on April 15, 2026.

The route will operate three times per week, on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, and will be seasonal, running from April through October. Air France will utilize its Airbus A350-900 aircraft for this service, which features multiple cabin classes including business, premium economy, and economy.

This new Las Vegas-Paris route marks an expansion of Air France’s U.S. network, which has seen growth over the past two years, including new service to Orlando. Travelers can book this route using Air France’s Flying Blue loyalty program, which partners with major transferable points programs.

Sources

• Alaska Airlines announces 2 new cities, 13 routes in latest expansion, The Points Guy.
• Air France to launch new route from Las Vegas to Paris in 2026, The Points Guy.