Alaska Airlines is expanding its San Diego network with a new seasonal route to Loreto, Mexico, as the carrier celebrates 40 years of operations in the Southern California city.
Flights between San Diego International Airport and Loreto will begin on December 19, 2026, making Loreto the airline’s 50th nonstop destination from San Diego.
Alaska Airlines says it currently offers more nonstop destinations from San Diego than any other airline.
“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,” said Darren Scott, Managing Director of Network at Alaska Airlines.
“Launching our 50th nonstop destination from San Diego as we celebrate 40 years of serving the region is a meaningful way to thank our guests for choosing Alaska and Hawaiian.”
Alaska Airlines to Be the Only Carrier Flying San Diego–Loreto
The new route will operate twice weekly on Wednesdays and Saturdays between December 19, 2026, and April 28, 2027.
Flights will be operated by SkyWest Airlines using Embraer E175 aircraft.
Alaska Airlines will be the only carrier offering nonstop service between San Diego and Loreto when the route launches.
Located in Baja California Sur, Loreto is known for its coastline, beaches and outdoor activities and provides another leisure destination within Alaska’s growing Mexico network from Southern California.
Passengers will also have access to Starlink high-speed Wi-Fi onboard, complimentary for Atmos Rewards members through Alaska’s partnership with T-Mobile.
San Diego–Loreto Flight Details
Route: San Diego (SAN) – Loreto (LTO)
Launch date: December 19, 2026
Season ends: April 28, 2027
Frequency: Twice weekly
Operating days: Wednesday and Saturday
Aircraft: Embraer E175
Operator: SkyWest Airlines
Alaska Airlines Celebrates Four Decades in San Diego
Alaska Airlines operated its first flight from San Diego on December 1, 1986.
Forty years later, its network from the city, together with Hawaiian Airlines, spans destinations across the United States, Mexico and Latin America, as well as nonstop service to all four major Hawaiian Islands.
The airline is also planning further investment at San Diego International Airport, including what it says will be one of its largest airport lounges. The new lounge is currently scheduled to open in 2028.
“Alaska Airlines has been connecting San Diego to the world for 40 years, and the addition of its 50th nonstop destination is an exciting milestone for our city,” said San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria.
“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.”
Alaska Launches 40th Anniversary Giveaway
To accompany the anniversary, Alaska Airlines is launching a months-long guest appreciation campaign in San Diego.
Forty winners will receive Atmos Rewards Gold status for 40 years, including benefits such as complimentary upgrades, free checked bags and benefits with Alaska’s airline partners.
One grand-prize winner will receive 1 million Atmos Rewards points, which can be used across Alaska’s expanding network.
The airline says additional giveaways and anniversary events will take place in San Diego throughout the year.
Alaska is also highlighting its longer-term international expansion, with connections through Seattle and Honolulu to destinations including London, Reykjavik, Rome, Seoul, Tokyo, Sydney and Papeete. Paris and Athens are scheduled to join the carrier’s international network in spring 2027.
