STORIES · INSIGHTS · LOCAL LIFEThe Daily Alaska
Economy

EconomyAnchorage · May 25, 2026

vegas just got closer

For the first time ever, Southwest Airlines is flying nonstop to Alaska, and Anchorage is the city that landed it.

Daily Alaska staff · May 25, 2026 · Anchorage

Southwest Airlines launched its first-ever nonstop service to Alaska on May 15, 2026, flying twice daily between Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport and both Las Vegas and Denver. The seasonal routes run through mid-September, making Anchorage the airline's 122nd airport and Alaska its 43rd state in its national network.

The new competition is already affecting fares. Alaska Airlines upgraded its own Anchorage to Las Vegas route to daily service in response to Southwest's arrival, giving travelers more options and more pressure on prices for flights between Anchorage and both cities.

Southwest marked the first flight with a water cannon salute and staff dressed as moose greeting passengers at the gate.

Travelers hoping to lock in summer fares should book early, since seats on the new routes are expected to fill quickly before the seasonal service ends in mid-September.

In this story

Questions people ask

When did Southwest Airlines start flying to Anchorage?

May 15, 2026, with twice-daily nonstop flights to Las Vegas and Denver through mid-September.

Did Alaska Airlines respond to Southwest arriving?

Yes, Alaska Airlines upgraded its Anchorage to Las Vegas route to daily service.

Evidence

Sources

Claims and where they come from

  • Southwest Airlines began nonstop service from Anchorage to Las Vegas and Denver on May 15, 2026. · aedcweb.com
  • Anchorage is Southwest's 122nd airport and Alaska is its 43rd state. · aedcweb.com
  • Alaska Airlines upgraded its Anchorage to Las Vegas flights to daily service in response to Southwest's new route. · aedcweb.com

Produced with AI assistance, narrated with Slav Lund's voice clone with his consent, and reviewed by a person before publishing. How we use AI →

Report an error in this story

Next in the feed

economyAlaska · Just now

Nome Port Gets $399 Million Federal Contract to Build Deep-Water Dock

The Army Corps awarded Kiewit Infrastructure West a $399.4 million contract to start building Nome's deep-water port, aimed at cutting shipping and fuel costs.

  • Army Corps awarded Kiewit Infrastructure West Co. a $399.4 million contract on Aug. 15, 2025.
  • Phase 1A extends Nome's causeway by 1,200 feet and adds 600 feet of new dock.
Port of Nome Modification ProjectU.S. Army Corps of Engineers Alaska DistrictKiewit Infrastructure West Co.City of NomeInfrastructure Investment and Jobs Act
Read

economySoutheast · Just now

Sitka planners recommend outright ban on data centers in every zone

A 4-0 vote by Sitka's Planning Commission would close the door entirely on data center development in a hydropower-dependent island city, rejecting a staff proposal that would have allowed the facilit

  • Sitka Planning Commission voted 4-0 on October 21, 2026 to recommend a citywide ban on data centers in every zone
  • City staff had proposed allowing data centers via conditional use permit in five districts, which the commission rejected
Sitka Planning CommissionSitka AssemblyCity and Borough of Sitka
Read

economyAlaska · Just now

Alaska Permanent Fund ends FY26 at $91.9 billion after 12.42% returnHeadliner

The fund's $3.8 billion transfer now covers about two-thirds of the state's unrestricted revenue, even as lawmakers skipped a $1.5 billion inflation-proofing payment this year.

  • The Alaska Permanent Fund ended fiscal year 2026 (June 30) worth $91.9 billion, up $6.8 billion from the prior year.
  • The fund earned a 12.42% net return, beating its 8.54% growth target.
Alaska Permanent Fund CorporationPermanent Fund DividendAlaska LegislaturePercent of Market Value Transfer
Read