Anchorage, Alaska: Alaska Airlines to Launch Nonstop Flights to Tokyo Narita in May 2027

Alaska Airlines announced on Tuesday, Oct. 27 that it will launch nonstop service between Anchorage, Alaska and Tokyo Narita, giving Alaska its first direct passenger link to Japan from its largest city. The first flight is planned for May 13, 2027, from Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport to Narita International Airport.

The route will run daily through the summer. Flights from Anchorage are scheduled through Sept. 7, 2027, and return flights from Tokyo through Sept. 8, 2027. The service then returns on a winter schedule of three flights a week beginning in January 2028. The Anchorage departure leaves at 2:10 p.m. and arrives in Tokyo at 3:25 p.m. the next day. The return flight leaves Tokyo at 9:45 p.m. and arrives in Anchorage at 12:00 p.m. the same day. All times are local.

A 737 on a transpacific route

Alaska will fly the route with a Boeing 737 MAX 8. The airline says the MAX 8 is the only 737 in its fleet with the range to serve the route, which covers 3,433 miles. The aircraft will offer first class with reclining seats, along with Premium Class and main cabin seating. Passengers in the economy cabins will receive a complimentary meal that includes a hot entree and dessert, according to the announcement coverage.

Aviation outlet InsideFlyer reported that the route would be the first nonstop service between Alaska and Asia since China Airlines flew between Anchorage and Taipei in 2011. Tickets for the new route are on sale now. The airline says the flights are subject to government approval.

Three more routes from Anchorage

The Tokyo flight is the headline of a four route expansion at Anchorage. Alaska also plans new seasonal Saturday service from Anchorage to Austin, Texas, to Dallas Fort Worth, Texas, and to Nashville, Tennessee. Those three routes will run once a week on Saturdays from June 12, 2027 through Aug. 7, 2027. The airline describes the full package as its largest ever nonstop schedule from Alaska.

"This long-requested route will open new opportunities for tourism and commerce," Marilyn Romano, Alaska's regional vice president for the state, said in coverage of the announcement.

Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy also welcomed the route. "New air service means new opportunities for Alaska," the governor said, in remarks carried by aviation outlet Traicy. State airport officials said the nonstop link strengthens Anchorage's position as a gateway between North America and Asia.