Alaska Airlines to Launch San Diego-Loreto Flights
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Alaska Airlines will launch seasonal nonstop service between San Diego and Loreto, Mexico, in December, marking the carrier’s 50th nonstop destination from San Diego International Airport as it commemorates 40 years of service in the region.
The new route is scheduled to begin Dec. 19 and operate twice weekly on Wednesdays and Saturdays through April 28, 2027. Flights will use Embraer E175 aircraft operated by SkyWest Airlines.
Alaska Airlines said it will be the only carrier offering nonstop flights between San Diego and Loreto, a coastal destination in Baja California Sur along the Gulf of California.
The addition expands the airline’s service between Southern California and Mexico and comes four decades after Alaska began operating from San Diego.
“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,” Darren Scott, Alaska Airlines managing director of network, said in a statement.
Scott said reaching 50 nonstop destinations during the airline’s 40th anniversary in San Diego represents a significant milestone for the company.
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria said additional nonstop service could give residents more travel options while supporting tourism and economic ties with Mexico.
“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,” Gloria said in a statement.
Alaska Airlines began serving San Diego on Dec. 1, 1986, with a single route. Its network from the city has since expanded across the United States and Mexico. Together with Hawaiian Airlines, it also provides nonstop service from San Diego to Hawaii.
The airline said it plans additional investment at San Diego International Airport, including a new airline lounge scheduled to open in 2028.
As part of its 40th anniversary activities, Alaska also announced a promotional giveaway in which 40 participants will receive Atmos Rewards Gold status for 40 years. One grand-prize recipient will receive 1 million Atmos Rewards points.
The airline said it has additional anniversary promotions and events planned in San Diego in the coming months.
Neil Thwaites, Alaska Airlines vice president of global sales and California commercial performance, said some employees who participated in the airline’s initial San Diego operations remain with the company.
The San Diego-Loreto route will provide another direct air connection between the San Diego region and Baja California Sur, adding to cross-border travel options between Southern California and Mexico.
