40 years in San Diego: Alaska Airlines kicks off anniversary celebration with 50th nonstop destination

Alaska Airlines is commemorating 40 years in San Diego with a major milestone: the launch of the carrier’s 50th nonstop from San Diego International Airport. The new seasonal route to Loreto, Mexico, takes off Dec. 19, just in time for a warm winter escape.

Tickets are available now on alaskaair.com.

“As San Diego’s airline, we’re proud to offer more nonstop destinations from San Diego than any other airline and to be the leading carrier serving Mexico from the market. Launching our 50th nonstop destination from San Diego as we celebrate 40 years of serving the region is a meaningful way to thank our guests for choosing Alaska and Hawaiian and trusting us to connect them to the places they want to go,” said Darren Scott, Managing Director of Network Alaska Airlines.

Alaska will become the only airline to connect guests between Loreto and San Diego when flights begin this December.

With twice-weekly flights through April aboard Alaska’s E175 aircraft, operated by SkyWest Airlines, guests can enjoy a seamless travel experience on their way to one of Baja California Sur’s hidden gems, known for its stunning coastline, pristine beaches and outdoor adventures, as well as high-speed Starlink Wi-Fi, offered complimentary to Atmos™ Rewards members thanks to T-Mobile.

“Alaska Airlines has been connecting San Diego to the world for 40 years, and the addition of its 50th nonstop destination is an exciting milestone for our city. More nonstop service means more opportunities for San Diegans to travel, more visitors supporting our local economy and stronger connections with important partners like Mexico. I’m grateful for Alaska’s continued investment in San Diego and look forward to building on this partnership for many years to come,” said Mayor Todd Gloria of the City of San Diego.

Alaska celebrates 40 years in San Diego

Alaska Airlines launched its first flight from San Diego on Dec. 1, 1986. Four decades later, Alaska has grown from a single route to a network that – together with Hawaiian Airlines – spans the US, Mexico and Latin America, including nonstop service to all four major Hawaiian Islands from San Diego. With plans to build one of the largest airline lounges in San Diego, set to open in 2028, Alaska continues to invest in the city thousands of its employees call home.

To mark 40 years of serving San Diego, Alaska is kicking off a months-long celebration with an anniversary giveaway: 40 winners will receive Atmos™ Rewards Gold status for 40 years, giving them access to a more seamless travel experience with perks like complimentary upgrades, free checked bags and premium benefits across Alaska’s global partners.

One lucky grand-prize winner will also receive 1 million Atmos Rewards points to explore destinations across Alaska’s growing global network, including connecting through Alaska’s largest hubs in Seattle and Honolulu and onward to the carrier’s international destinations: London, Reykjavik, Rome, Seoul, Tokyo, Sydney, Papeete, and starting in the spring of 2027, Paris and Athens.

“We’re proud to be San Diego’s leading airline, with deep roots in the community, the most extensive network, and the only carrier with both a pilot and flight attendant base in the region. Some of the employees who helped launch our first flight from San Diego are still with Alaska today, a testament to their dedication and to our enduring commitment to this community. As we celebrate 40 years in San Diego, we’re grateful to our employees and loyal guests who choose Alaska every day,” said Neil Thwaites, Vice President of Global Sales & California Commercial Performance at Alaska Airlines.