Santa Barbara Airport (SBA) announced that Alaska Airlines will launch nonstop service to San Diego International Airport (SAN) beginning April 22, 2026. Alaska will operate two nonstop flights daily between SBA and SAN.
“We’re excited to announce that Alaska Airlines is returning nonstop service to San Diego,” said Chris Hastert, Santa Barbara Airport Director. “Our community has been eager for the convenience of a quick, direct flight—eliminating the long drive and making travel across Southern California easier than ever. 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.”
On Thursday, edhat reported a new direct flight from SBA to Chicago’s O’Hare airport. Many readers shared excitement over the announcement with a good number of comments asking for a direct flight to San Diego too.
Nonstop service to SAN was previously offered by Alaska from June 2021 to September 2022.
“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. “Coming on the heels of United Airlines’ Chicago service announcement, this additional route further expands efficient, time-saving access to our region. 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.”
Through San Diego International Airport, Santa Barbara travelers will have access to numerous destinations across the country and the globe, including Hawaii, Mexico, and Europe.
Alaska Airlines currently offers nonstop routes to Seattle (SEA) and Portland (PDX) from Santa Barbara. In addition to adding San Diego, Alaska will also be increasing service to PDX from one to two nonstop flights per day starting in May.
As of October 2025, SBA offers direct flights to Seattles, Portland, Sacramento, Oakland, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, Denver, Dallas, and Atlanta.
Advanced booking is available now through Alaska.
About Santa Barbara Airport
Santa Barbara Airport spans 952 acres, broken down as follows:
- 400 acres for aviation use
- 100 acres for commercial and industrial purposes
- 430 acres as the Goleta Slough Ecological Reserve
The airport is owned and operated by the City of Santa Barbara as an enterprise fund, with revenue generated from property rentals and various aviation-related fees.
The airport specifically sits on what is now known as the Goleta Slough, an area that has a long and rich history for the Chumash people.
Transportation Hub
Commercial service: Santa Barbara Airport (SBA) provides direct commercial service to 12 destinations, including major cities like Atlanta, Dallas, Denver, and Los Angeles, through airlines such as United, American, Delta, Alaska, and Southwest.
Passenger volume: Santa Barbara Airport has experienced strong passenger growth, breaking records in recent years.
Convenience: For many travelers, the airport is a convenient gateway to Santa Barbara and the surrounding areas, with generally short TSA lines.
Earlier this month, San Luis Obispo County Airport (SBP) announced that Alaska Airlines has reinstated daily nonstop flights from San Luis Obispo to Las Vegas, starting on October 4, 2025.
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Great news!