Santa Barbara Airport Expands Service with Nonstop Flights to San Diego
Santa Barbara Airport (SBA) celebrated the launch of nonstop service to San Diego International Airport (SAN) on Alaska Airlines, marking the return of a popular route for Central Coast travelers.
The service, which began April 22, 2026, operates twice daily and is served by an Embraer E175 aircraft with 76 seats. The route provides travelers with a convenient, time-saving alternative to access San Diego, while also expanding connections to destinations across the globe, including Hawaii, Mexico, and Europe. This route previously operated at SBA from June 2021 through September 2022 by Alaska Airlines.
Airport officials, community partners, and airline representatives gathered at the SBA terminal Wednesday afternoon to celebrate the return of the route. Passengers were greeted with decorations, complimentary gifts, and a brief program with remarks from Chris Hastert, Santa Barbara Airport Director, Kathy Janega-Dykes, President & CEO of Visit Santa Barbara, and Adrienne Phillip, Manager of Station Operations for Alaska Airlines.
“Our community has been eager for the convenience of this quick, direct flight—eliminating the long drive and making travel across Southern California easier than ever,” said Chris Hastert, Santa Barbara Airport Director. “This route also expands connection opportunities through San Diego to a growing list of destinations. We’re grateful to Alaska Airlines for their continued investment in service that benefits travelers and strengthens our region.”
Adding to the celebration, the Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce hosted a welcome booth featuring local roller skate crew @Skate0five and Visit Santa Barbara provided complimentary ice cream from Rori's for passengers.
“Visit Santa Barbara is thrilled to celebrate Alaska Airlines’ new nonstop service from San Diego to Santa Barbara,” said Kathy Janega-Dykes, president/CEO of Visit Santa Barbara. “The San Diego route provides even more incentives for visitors and businesses to engage with Santa Barbara–from our world-class wine and dining scenes to our walkable downtown. We’re grateful to Alaska Airlines and the Santa Barbara Airport team for their partnership in enhancing air service and strengthening our connection to key visitor markets.”
Alaska Airlines currently offers nonstop service from Santa Barbara to Seattle (SEA) and Portland (PDX). In addition to launching San Diego service, the airline will increase Portland service from one to two daily nonstop flights beginning in May.
Beginning August 4, Southwest Airlines will join Alaska Airlines in offering nonstop service to San Diego. The addition further enhances SBA’s growing network of service, which now includes 13 destinations and an average of 26 flights per day.
