Travellers from the UK will soon find it easier to reach Tahiti, the largest island in French Polynesia, after Alaska Airlines announced a new direct service between Seattle and Papeete. The route, operated by Hawaiian Airlines, will cut the journey from London to a single stopover, removing a barrier that has long made the South Pacific destination feel out of reach.
Tahiti sits in the heart of the South Pacific Ocean and serves as a gateway to 118 islands and atolls. The island is known for its dramatic mountain peaks, waterfalls set among green valleys, turquoise lagoons and unspoilt beaches, with a tropical climate that can reach up to 30C in October.
Single Stopover from London
Brits will be able to take a nonstop service from London Heathrow Airport to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, followed by a direct flight to Tahiti's Faa'a International Airport. Many airlines currently require at least two stopovers when travelling from London to the island, so the new route marks a significant improvement in accessibility.
The service between Seattle and Papeete will operate three times a week year-round on Hawaiian Airlines' Airbus A330 aircraft. It is scheduled to launch on Friday, 11 June 2027, in time for the summer holidays, and is expected to provide greater access to Tahiti and the wider French Polynesian archipelago.
Complementing Existing Routes
The announcement follows Alaska Airlines' introduction of a nonstop service between London Heathrow and Seattle in May this year. The new Papeete route complements Alaska Airlines' current services via Los Angeles and San Francisco, and will give travellers the option of exploring Seattle as a Pacific Northwest stopover.
Travellers looking to extend their stay could combine an island retreat in Tahiti, described by fellow travellers as a 'spicy' alternative to Hawaii, with time in Seattle. The US city sits beside Lake Washington, is backed by snow-capped mountains, and is known for its historic Pike Place Market and as the birthplace of Starbucks.
Flight fares and the precise schedule have yet to be released. Further information is available on the Alaska Airlines website.
