More Flights, Closer to Home: Alaska Airlines Expands at Paine Field
Good news for anyone who would rather skip the drive to Sea-Tac. Alaska Airlines announced on September 24 that it is significantly expanding service at Seattle Paine Field (PAE), the airport right next door to Mukilteo. Starting this fall and continuing through summer 2027, Alaska will grow its seat capacity at Paine Field by 50%.
For Mukilteo residents, that means more nonstop options without a long trip south. For visitors, it means an even easier way to get to our waterfront, our lighthouse, and everything else that makes Mukilteo worth the trip.
What’s New
Nonstop service to San Jose. Alaska is adding a brand-new route between Paine Field and San Jose, California (SJC). Flights begin April 14, 2027, and will run twice daily on Horizon Air’s Embraer 175 aircraft. It’s a direct link between the north Puget Sound region and the South Bay and greater San Francisco Bay Area. Tickets are on sale now at alaskaair.com.
More flights to familiar favorites. Several existing routes are growing too:
- Los Angeles (LAX): Increasing to twice daily, with both flights on larger Boeing 737 aircraft
- Portland (PDX): Growing to two daily flights
- San Diego (SAN) and San Francisco (SFO): Additional seats on both routes
Why It Matters for Our Community
“Paine Field is an important part of our Puget Sound network,” said Andrew Harrison, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Alaska Airlines. He added that the growth will bring more seats, more frequency, and more convenient travel options for guests in Snohomish County, North Seattle, and beyond.
Propeller Airports, which operates the Paine Field terminal, pointed to strong traveler demand for more service from the airport. CEO Brett Smith highlighted what regulars already know: Paine Field offers valet parking, quick security, and a relaxed, lounge-like terminal that makes flying feel a lot less stressful.
Flying In? Make Mukilteo Your First Stop
If you’re coming to the Puget Sound from California or Oregon, Paine Field puts you just minutes from Mukilteo. Stroll the beach at Lighthouse Park, tour the historic Mukilteo Lighthouse, grab a bite on the waterfront, or hop the ferry to Whidbey Island for a day of island exploring. It’s the kind of arrival that makes a trip feel like a getaway from the moment you land.
And for locals, a weekend in San Diego or a quick business trip to the Bay Area just got a whole lot easier to fit into the calendar.
Plan your trip: Book flights at alaskaair.com and learn more about the airport at flypainefield.com.
