Alaska Airlines Selects Incheon as Southeast Asia Gateway
Alaska Airlines has designated Incheon as its key gateway to Southeast Asia, enhancing its presence in the region. This decision is rooted in Korea’s growing cultural impact and the increasing demand from American travelers.
New Direct Route to Incheon
In September 2025, Alaska Airlines inaugurated its direct route connecting Incheon, South Korea, to Seattle, Washington. This launch marks the first direct link to Korea for the Seattle-based airline. Following the launch, Alaska Airlines has seen a swift increase in brand awareness among Korean travelers.
Alex Judson, the airline’s managing director of partnerships and international, stated that the initial response to the Incheon route has surpassed expectations. Currently, Alaska operates five weekly flights, departing Incheon on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. By January 31, over 45,000 passengers had utilized this service.
Growth and Frequency Expansion
- Initial flights: Five per week
- Passenger count by January 31: 45,000+
- Planned increase: One additional flight on Wednesdays
Judson expressed surprise at the strong demand, which not only comes from leisure travelers attracted to Korea’s cultural exports but also from robust corporate travel and the significant Korean diaspora in the United States. This demand aligns with Alaska Airlines’ strategic priorities for the Korean market.
Incheon as a Strategic Hub
Alaska Airlines views Incheon as pivotal for enhancing connectivity between the U.S., China, and Southeast Asia. The airline believes this gateway will facilitate increased international travel opportunities for American passengers.
In support of this route, Alaska initiated a promotion offering a buy-one-get-one-free ticket campaign last year, resulting in over 16,000 ticket sales. Many participants had already planned trips to Korea, showcasing the effective demand for travel to the region.
Unique Onboard Experience
To differentiate itself from competitors, Alaska Airlines is enhancing its onboard services. Passengers can enjoy a mix of Korean-inspired dishes such as chicken bulgogi and jajangmyeon, complemented by West Coast offerings like Salt & Straw ice cream and Stumptown Coffee.
The airline’s commitment to improving passenger experience is evident as they equip their Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners with Starlink satellite Wi-Fi by fall. This will enable high-speed internet throughout the flight, meeting the connectivity needs of modern travelers.
In conclusion, Alaska Airlines’ strategic focus on Incheon as a gateway to Southeast Asia reflects the airline’s ambition to connect U.S. travelers with Asian cultural experiences while establishing a unique identity that blends both Korean and West Coast elements.
