Bellingham International Airport adding new nonstop flight to Portland
Bellingham International Airport will add a new flight next year, connecting a popular Pacific Northwest city to Bellingham.
Alaska Airlines will be adding nonstop flights from Bellingham to Portland starting March 2026, according to a social media post from the airport.
“The Portland flight — I kind of see it as our gateway in the beginning of our route expansion to get more direct flights out of Bellingham,” BLI Director of Aviation Matt Rodriguez told The Herald in an interview.
Rodriguez said he hopes this new flight offers added convenience for travelers going back and forth to Portland. It’s scheduled at convenient travel times, he said, leaving BLI in the morning and returning in the evening. With the flight time lasting just about an hour, he hopes it can also save travelers time in their journey.
“It’s an hour versus the four and a half- to five-hour drive. Not to mention the risk, liability and stress that can come with driving from Bellingham to Portland,” Rodriguez said.
Rodriguez said BLI is in frequent communication with airlines about expansion and new flight offerings, with the goal of adding more direct flights out of Bellingham in 2026.
“There are several routes we have our eyes on,” he told The Herald. “We’re just getting started.”
The airport teased the new flights Dec. 18., asking Facebook users to guess which city would be added based on four photos.
“This is huge news for travelers interested in Portland or connecting flights to Honolulu, Los Angeles, San Diego, Arizona, and much more. We’re thrilled to offer more access and more routes through our local and convenient airport. Less driving, less stress, more flying,” a Dec. 19 Facebook post from the airport states.
“This was so missed. That was always a very popular flight. Good job listening to us and restoring our faith,” one Facebook user commented on the post.
The Bellingham International Airport currently offers nonstop flights to Seattle, Palm Springs, Las Vegas, the San Juan Islands, Phoenix, Oakland, San Diego and Los Angeles, according to the airport’s website.
The airport, part of The Port of Bellingham, is located at 4255 Mitchell Way in Bellingham.
This story was originally published December 19, 2025 at 12:44 PM.
