Nonstop flights between Santa Barbara and San Diego are back, marking the return of a key regional route after a long pause.  

Santa Barbara Airport on April 22, 2026, marked the relaunch of Alaska Airlines’ direct service to San Diego International Airport. 

The service, which began on Wednesday, offers two daily flights and is operated by a 76-seat Embraer E175 aircraft, according to Santa Barbara Airport. 

In addition to connecting the two coastal cities and providing a time-saving alternative way to reach San Diego, the route also expands Santa Barbara travelers’ connections to more global destinations, such as Hawaii, Mexico, and Europe, according to the airport. 

Alaska Airlines operated the Santa Barbara to San Diego route from June 2021 through September 2022. 

On Wednesday afternoon, airport officials, community partners, and airline staff gathered at the Santa Barbara Airport terminal to celebrate the launch of the Alaska Airlines flight service. 

 

 

 

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Passengers were greeted with complimentary gifts, decorations, and a short program. 

“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. 

The Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce hosted a welcome booth with local roller skate crew @Skate0five and Visit Santa Barbara, offering complimentary ice cream to passengers. 

Flight Route Expansions 

Santa Barbara travelers planning to travel to San Diego are set to get more direct flight options later this year. 

Santa Barbara Airport is expanding its nonstop flight services to San Diego, with Southwest Airlines set to introduce a daily nonstop service from August 4, 2026. 

Southwest Airlines’ flights between Santa Barbara and San Diego typically have a layover in Oakland, Sacramento, or Las Vegas, according to Southwest Airlines’ booking page. 

Currently, Alaska Airlines offers nonstop flights from Santa Barbara to Seattle and Portland. In addition to its San Diego service, the carrier will increase Portland service, from one to daily direct flights from May 2026, according to the Santa Barbara Airport. 

Santa Barbara Airport is also expanding its connectivity to other destinations beyond California, with the return of a nonstop service to the Midwest. 

United Airlines resumed daily direct service between Santa Barbara and Chicago O’Hare International Airport on April 6, 2026. In October 2025, United announced that the route would be served by one daily flight aboard a 126-seat 737-700. 

Previously, United offered seasonal service to Chicago in the summers of 2021 and 2022. 

The recent nonstop flight services are part of Santa Barbara Airport’s efforts to expand its commercial air service this year. Five airlines will launch a total of 13 direct flights, expand schedules to around 26 daily departures, and adjust existing routes. 

Santa Barbara Airport’s expanding route network comes on the heels of a record-setting year. The airport recorded its highest passenger footfall in 2025, with almost 1.5 million passengers, making it the busiest year in the airport’s history. 

Alongside the impressive growth, the airport also expanded its air service, infrastructure, and community services in 2025.