Alaska Airlines takes Seattle fight with Delta to international routes as 92% of planned seats overlap through August 2027
Alaska Airlines is set to take its long-running Seattle rivalry with Delta Air Lines into longhaul international markets, with about 92% of its planned intercontinental seats from Seattle through August 2027 overlapping Delta’s existing nonstop routes, according to a Reuters analysis of Cirium schedule data. Alaska’s cost base remains an advantage, with first-half non-fuel unit costs about 17% below the average of Delta, United and American, but its unit revenue was roughly 20% lower, limiting its cushion. Delta, for its part, has strengthened its Seattle hub position by securing preferential access to 18 gates and adding two lounges.