Alaska Airlines Adds Pacific Northwest Routes from Burbank
Hollywood Burbank Airport will see three new nonstop links to Oregon and Washington this fall as Alaska Airlines moves quickly to fill the gap left by Avelo's pending exit. The Seattle-based carrier's seven-route expansion strengthens its already solid West Coast network, while rival Breeze Airways readies a slower-to-market challenge. Daily Embraer 175 flights begin October 26, positioning Alaska as the sole operator on several city pairs and giving travelers fresh options for Pacific Northwest escapes.
Key Points
- Why it matters: Adds competition and preserves connectivity after Avelo departs.
- Three new Burbank routes-Eugene, Pasco, Redmond-start Oct. 26.
- Four additional California-Northwest links join by Jan. 7 2026.
- Alaska will hold monopoly status on Ontario-Boise and San Diego-Sun Valley.
- Breeze's competing Burbank routes launch March 2026, months after Alaska.
Snapshot
Beginning October 26 2025, Alaska Airlines will base Embraer E175 jets at Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) to operate new daily service to Eugene (EUG), Pasco/Tri-Cities (PSC), and Redmond/Bend (RDM). The move raises Alaska's BUR network to eight destinations, preserving vital Northwest links after ultra-low-cost entrant Avelo Airlines disclosed plans to close its West Coast base by December 2 2025. Alaska's broader announcement also adds Ontario (ONT)-Boise (BOI) and Orange County (SNA)-Spokane (GEG) on January 7 2026, plus winter seasonal Santa Rosa (STS)-Palm Springs (PSP) and San Diego (SAN)-Sun Valley (SUN). The carrier emphasizes "no-middle-seat" comfort and streaming Wi-Fi on the 76-seat regional jets.
Background
Alaska Airlines has long branded itself the "only global airline based on the West Coast," operating dense corridors between California, Oregon, and Washington. Hollywood Burbank, prized for its easy terminal access and proximity to Los Angeles, became a battleground in 2021 when startup Avelo picked the airport as its inaugural base. Avelo's bargain-fare model initially stimulated traffic but struggled amid rising costs and intensifying competition. Earlier this month, Avelo signaled its intent to redeploy aircraft to East Coast markets Unverified. Breeze Airways, another low-cost challenger, quickly filed to enter BUR with March 2026 launches to Eugene, Pasco, Redmond, Eureka/Arcata, and Provo, positioning itself as a successor to Avelo's leisure footprint. Alaska's latest expansion leverages existing gates, crew bases, and market familiarity to pre-empt Breeze while shoring up consumer choice.
Latest Developments
Seven New California-Northwest Links
Alaska's July 31 2025 route bulletin outlines seven additions: the three BUR markets plus ONT-BOI, SNA-GEG, STS-PSP (winter, five weekly), and SAN-SUN (winter, three weekly). All flights will use 76-seat E175s featuring 12 First Class, 12 Premium Class, and 52 Main Cabin seats, along with power outlets at every seat and streaming entertainment. Tickets opened for sale July 31. Alaska notes it will be the lone carrier on Ontario-Boise, San Diego-Sun Valley, and Santa Rosa-Palm Springs, restoring the latter after Avelo dropped the route in June.
Competitive Landscape
Breeze Airways' July 17 2025 announcement targets many of the same Northwest markets but with March 2026 start dates. Breeze plans twice-weekly frequencies versus Alaska's daily schedule, positioning Alaska to capture early demand and loyalty. On Orange County-Spokane, Alaska's year-round daily service will overlap only partly with Allegiant's existing summer seasonal flights. Industry analysts view Alaska's timing as a strategic play to cement share before Breeze solidifies brand awareness in Southern California.
Analysis
Alaska's decision to deploy E175s rather than mainline Boeing 737s reflects a nimble capacity strategy. The regional jets allow daily frequency without oversupplying smaller markets such as Pasco and Redmond, while preserving First Class and loyalty perks. By securing monopoly status on three pairs and first-mover advantage on the contested Burbank markets, Alaska insulates yield and Mileage Plan engagement. The network design also feeds Alaska's Portland and Seattle hubs over time, improving aircraft utilization across its Horizon Air affiliate. Breeze's delayed launch gives Alaska a crucial five-month head start to lock corporate contracts and frequent-flyer habits. However, Breeze's A220 fleet offers a quieter cabin and high-density economics that could pressure fares once service begins. Long-term success will hinge on Alaska's ability to balance frequency with load factors, particularly on the thinner Eugene and Pasco routes where discretionary travel dominates.
Final Thoughts
With three fresh Pacific Northwest links from Hollywood Burbank and four other West Coast additions, Alaska Airlines signals confidence in regional demand and a willingness to defend turf before Breeze arrives. Travelers stand to benefit from restored connectivity and competitive fares, while the airport preserves service continuity despite Avelo's Unverified withdrawal. Early bookings may secure the best schedules and Mileage Plan availability as Alaska Airlines Burbank routes enter the timetable.