dailynewsnblog
Seattle-based 
Alaska Airlines will strengthen its presence at Seattle Paine Field International Airport (PAE) this coming fall, as the airline grows its operations at the second Seattle airport by more than 50%. This growth will provide passengers even more options for traveling to and from the airport to destinations across the US West Coast.
Travelers to and from the Puget Sound area will enjoy more ways to fly from Everett from the fall through to Summer 2027, as the airline adds a new route to San Jose, while adding additional capacity on its existing routes to Los Angeles, Portland, San Diego and San Francisco. Existing routes to Las Vegas, Orange County, and Phoenix remain unchanged, and seasonal service to Honolulu and Palm Springs is also set to return.
50% More Capacity at Seattle Paine Field International Airport
Alaska plans to grow capacity at PAE by around 50%, adding flights and seats to provide convenient access to its West Coast network. These moves further strengthen the airline’s dominance on the West Coast, and because it is the only operator at Paine Field, these capacity increases bolster its monopoly at the airport.
In April, the carrier will resume its operations to Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC), which will add a link to the San Francisco Bay Area. The route will run twice daily and will be operated by the airline’s subsidiary, Horizon Air, on the Embraer E175.
Andrew Harrison, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Alaska Airlines, explained the airline’s decision to expand operations at Everett on Thursday.
“Paine Field is an important part of our Puget Sound network, giving guests a simpler, more convenient way to access Alaska’s West Coast flying. As we grow, we’re strengthening our presence across the region with more seats, more frequency and more convenient travel options for guests in Snohomish County, North Seattle and beyond.”
More Flights & More Choice From Everett By Next Summer
Travelers from the Puget Sound region will enjoy even more choice on routes from Everett by next summer, as the airline adds more depth and builds on its West Coast network from the airport. A new nonstop service to San Jose will be enjoyed by both business and leisure travelers, and this route complements the growth of existing routes as detailed below:
PAE to 
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) will increase to twice daily, operating on Boeing 737 aircraft, while Portland International Airport (PDX) will also grow from one to two daily flights. Additional capacity will be added on its existing routes to 
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and 
San Diego International Airport (SAN).
Year-Round | Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Orange County, Phoenix–Sky Harbor, Portland, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose (resumes on April 14, 2027) |
|---|---|
Seasonal | Honolulu, Palm Springs |
Alaska’s expansion at Everett comes in the wake of Denver-based ultra-low-cost carrier Frontier Airlines exiting the airport in January, where the airline operated to Denver, Phoenix, and Las Vegas.
Growing Popularity For Seattle Paine Field International Airport
Everett is just 30 minutes from downtown Seattle, and the airport is a popular choice as the only alternative to the busier Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). Since Frontier exited Everett, Alaska is the only scheduled commercial operator at the airport. Between May 2025 and April 2026, data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics show Alaska still operated more than 94% of all flights at the airport, making it difficult for Frontier to make its mark.
The most popular route from Everett during the same data period was to Phoenix, where the two airlines transported more than 96,000 passengers. The second most popular route was to Las Vegas. PAE has two runways and is adjacent to the Boeing Everett Factory.
Alaska’s continued growth at Everett comes as passengers look for an alternative to Seattle, and a closer option for those in Snohomish County and North Seattle. The smaller terminal experience and faster security lines have driven increased interest at the boutique airport.
