Alaska Airlines launches 50th nonstop route from San Diego to Loreto
Alaska Airlines has announced the launch of a new seasonal route from San Diego to Loreto, Mexico, starting December 19, 2026, making it the carrier's 50th nonstop destination from San Diego International Airport. The announcement is part of celebrations marking Alaska Airlines' 40 years of service in San Diego, tied to a loyalty program campaign for passengers.
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To mark the 40th anniversary of its presence in San Diego, Alaska Airlines has launched a months-long campaign thanking its passengers. Part of the celebration is the announcement of a new route that will give the carrier its 50th nonstop destination from San Diego International Airport.
The new destination is Loreto, Mexico, on the Baja California Sur peninsula, with the first flight departing December 19, 2026. According to Alaska Airlines, it's a popular destination known for its tranquil coastline and access to the Sea of Cortez, making it ideal for a winter getaway.
Tickets for the new route are already on sale on alaskaair.com, according to the carrier. Alaska Airlines will also become the only airline offering a nonstop flight between Loreto and San Diego.
- Route
- San Diego – Loreto
- Launch date
- Dec 19, 2026
- End of season
- April 2027
- Frequency
- 2x weekly (Wed, Sat)
- Aircraft
- Embraer E175
- Operator
- SkyWest Airlines
For the duration of the season, through April 2027, the route will be operated twice weekly by an Embraer E175 flown by SkyWest Airlines. Passengers on board will have access to high-speed Starlink Wi-Fi, provided free to Atmos Rewards members by T-Mobile.
According to Darren Scott, Alaska Airlines' director of network planning, the carrier is proud to offer more nonstop destinations from San Diego than any other airline and to be the leading carrier on routes to Mexico from this market. He views the launch of the 50th nonstop destination during the 40th anniversary year as a symbolic thank-you to passengers for their loyalty.
From San Diego, Alaska Airlines already offers nonstop flights to Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta in Mexico, to which Loreto will now be added.
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria said Alaska Airlines has been connecting the city to the world for 40 years, and that adding a 50th nonstop destination marks a significant milestone for the city. He noted that more direct connections mean more travel opportunities for residents, more visitors supporting the local economy, and stronger ties with partners such as Mexico.
Alaska Airlines launched its first flight from San Diego on December 1, 1986. Over four decades, the carrier's network, together with Hawaiian Airlines, has grown from a single route into connections spanning the U.S., Mexico and Latin America, including nonstop flights to all four major Hawaiian islands from San Diego.
The carrier also plans to build one of its largest airport lounges in San Diego, with an opening planned for 2028. Alaska Airlines says this reflects its continued investment in a city where thousands of its employees live.
Neil Thwaites, vice president of global sales and commercial performance in California, said Alaska Airlines is proud of its role as the leading carrier in San Diego, with deep community ties and the most extensive route network. He noted that the company is the only carrier with a pilot and flight attendant base in the region, and that some employees who helped with the very first flight still work for the company today.
Anniversary gift campaign
- Forty randomly selected winners will receive Atmos Rewards Gold status valid for 40 years, including benefits such as free upgrades and free checked bags.
- One grand prize winner will receive one million Atmos Rewards points, redeemable across Alaska Airlines' growing global network.
- Points can also be redeemed on connections via the Seattle and Honolulu hubs to international routes to London, Reykjavik, Rome, Seoul, Tokyo, Sydney and Papeete, and starting spring 2027, also to Paris and Athens.