Alaska-Hawaiian Merger Spurs San Diego Route Growth

Alaska Airlines is expanding at San Diego International Airport, launching new year-round nonstop routes to Phoenix (starting August 20), Chicago O’Hare, and Denver (both from October 4), each with three daily flights. This follows Alaska's recent merger with Hawaiian Airlines and the discontinuation of several routes, notably San Francisco to Chicago and Dulles, and LAX to Nassau. Alaska will also increase frequencies on key routes from San Diego, offering six daily flights to Las Vegas, Sacramento, and San Jose, and three daily flights to Salt Lake City beginning October 26. The combined Alaska and Hawaiian network will now offer 44 nonstop destinations from San Diego, making them the airport’s largest provider of nonstop routes and solidifying Alaska’s position as the second-largest carrier behind Southwest. The expansion aims to boost West Coast connectivity and leverage oneworld alliance partnerships for greater access to international and East Coast destinations. These network adjustments reflect shifting market demand and intensifying competition among major carriers.