Portland, Oregon Travellers Gain Direct Access to Tampa as Alaska Airlines Expands Flights Alaska Airlines has announced the launch of two new daily routes from Portland International Airport (PDX), offering travelers direct connections to Wenatchee, Washington, and Tampa, Florida. The expansion aims to enhance regional mobility, support winter leisure travel, and solidify Portland’s role as a key aviation hub in the Pacific Northwest. The Wenatchee route, operated by Alaska’s regional partner Horizon Air, will begin on October 3, 2026, while the seasonal Tampa service will run from November 20, 2026, through March 28, 2027. The Portland–Wenatchee route, using Embraer E175 aircraft, will provide faster regional access for travelers in Oregon and western Washington. The flight duration is less than an hour, with outbound trips taking approximately 57 minutes and return flights around 54 minutes. This service addresses the current reliance on road travel or connecting flights through Seattle for Wenatchee residents, offering a more efficient alternative for business and tourism. Wenatchee, located in central Washington’s Chelan County, is known for its outdoor attractions, including mountains, vineyards, and rivers, making it a popular destination for adventure seekers. The Portland–Tampa route, which operates seasonally during the winter months, will provide Oregon residents with direct access to Florida’s Gulf Coast. This nonstop connection eliminates the need for transfers through major hubs like Seattle, Denver, Dallas, or Los Angeles, significantly reducing travel time. The route supports both leisure travelers seeking warmer destinations during the colder months and business travelers connecting two growing economic regions.#alaska_airlines #horizon_air #portland_international_airport #tampa_international_airport #wenatchee
