Norfolk International Airport (ORF) announced that, beginning June 10, travelers will be able to fly nonstop from Norfolk to Seattle, Washington, every day. The service will be operated by Alaska Airlines, making the carrier the eighth airline to provide direct flights out of ORF.

Why Seattle Matters to Norfolk

Airport CEO Mark Perryman said Seattle was the top unserved market for Norfolk travelers, meaning it was the most requested destination without a direct flight. Adding Seattle not only fulfills that demand but also brings the airport’s total of nonstop options to 49.

Alaska Airlines’ Broader Expansion

Alaska Airlines disclosed that Norfolk is one of five new destinations the airline will serve, alongside Des Moines, Iowa, and Guadalajara, Mexico. The Seattle route is the longest currently offered from ORF, and Perryman noted that the airline’s existing service to Hawaii and Asia makes ORF an attractive gateway for longer‑haul travel.

“Going from here all the way to Seattle is the longest route we have right now, and Europe is not far beyond that. This is a good tell‑tale that we have the demand of people wanting to fly from here to those destinations,” Perryman told News 3.

Looking Ahead to Europe

During a recent State of the Airports address, Perryman mentioned that ORF is in talks with two European carriers about establishing direct service to Europe, a long‑standing goal for the growing airport. The Norfolk Economic Development Authority has also voted to create a safety‑net fund to support a European airline that might invest in the region.

Recent Airport Milestones

Earlier this year, ORF launched its first international flight in years with a direct route to Cancun via Breeze Airlines. Prior to the Alaska Airlines announcement, JetBlue added service to Norfolk in April 2025, the most recent new airline entry.

The addition of Alaska Airlines’ Seattle flight is expected to boost local tourism, business travel, and cargo opportunities, reinforcing Norfolk’s position as a regional transportation hub.

What This Means for Travelers

Residents will now have a convenient, nonstop option to the Pacific Northwest, eliminating the need for connecting flights through other hubs. The new route also provides a direct link for passengers heading onward to Alaska Airlines’ extensive network in Hawaii, Asia, and beyond.

Tickets are expected to go on sale shortly, with pricing and schedule details to be released by the airline in the coming weeks.

Original reporting: WTKR News 3 (Scripps) – local — read the source article.