The Seattle area’s north-of-the-city second airport is about to get livelier with a major expansion of routes and frequencies by Alaska Airlines, with the additions phasing in between now and next summer.
Paine Field is at Everett, and flights from there save travelers from north of Seattle a long trip either through the city or way around it to get to the area’s major hub at SeaTac. When commercial service resumed in 2019, Alaska, United and Southwest all planned service, but Southwest changed plans, and United left during the pandemic. But despite those disappointments, Alaska, for which Seattle is home base, has built a consistent network to a variety of West Coast destinations.
The new service will still be all-West Coast, but will grow the airline’s service to include non-stops to San Jose, as well as additional flights to Los Angeles, Portland, San Diego and San Francisco. In addition, some flights will change from Embraer E-175s to larger 737s, increasing available seats. In all, by next summer, Alaska will have grown its presence at Paine Field by 50%.
While some localities near the airport initially opposed resuming service, others in the area are hoping that Alaska or other carriers will add routes to other areas.
