American Airlines to Restart Flight from Phoenix to This City After 5 Years

FORT WORTH– American Airlines (AA) will restart nonstop service between Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) and Anchorage, Alaska (ANC), nearly five years after it was last operated. The carrier confirmed the route will return in the summer of 2026.

The Phoenix–Anchorage connection, last flown in September 2021, will resume on May 21, 2026, as a daily summer service operated with an Airbus A321neo. The flights will continue through September 8, 2026.

Photo: Cado Photo

American Airlines Phoenix to Anchorage Flight

American Airlines first launched service between Phoenix (PHX) and Anchorage (ANC) in 2015, operating the route seasonally before suspending it during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, AirlineGeeks reported.

After briefly bringing it back in 2021, the service was discontinued again. Its return will restore a key summer travel option for passengers heading to Alaska.

The Airbus A321neo, which American is deploying on the route, offers improved fuel efficiency and passenger comfort compared with older aircraft types. The resumption also complements the service provided by Alaska Airlines (AS), which has maintained flights on the same city pair.

The decision to restart PHX–ANC reflects demand for summer leisure travel between the Southwest and Alaska. Anchorage remains a vital hub for visitors drawn to cruises, national parks, and adventure tourism.

Photo: Clément Alloing

Expanded Service for the Super Bowl

Alongside the Anchorage restart, American is significantly increasing capacity in San Jose, California (SJC), for the 2026 Super Bowl. Between February 5 and 10, 2026, the airline will expand its SJC schedule by more than 450%.

In addition to adding larger aircraft on existing routes from Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) and Phoenix (PHX), American will operate special flights from Charlotte (CLT), Chicago (ORD), Los Angeles (LAX), Miami (MIA), New York (JFK), and Philadelphia (PHL).

Jason Reisinger, Managing Director of Global Network Planning, emphasized the airline’s focus on football fans: “The season is just getting started, and American is locking in our game plan to get fans to the Big Game.”

Premium Experience from New York

Travelers departing from New York (JFK) will have the option of flying on the Airbus A321T, featuring 10 lie-flat Flagship® First seats and 20 lie-flat Flagship® Business seats.

Customers in Flagship® First will gain access to the Chelsea Lounge, with a champagne bar and a la carte dining. Flagship® Business passengers will enjoy the Greenwich Lounge, offering chef-curated menus and a premium wine selection.

Super Bowl Flight Schedule at a Glance

American’s additional San Jose (SJC) flights for February 2026:

• Charlotte (CLT): Two daily flights Feb 5–6; two return flights Feb 9
• Chicago (ORD): Two daily flights Feb 5–6; three return flights Feb 9, one return Feb 10
• Dallas Fort Worth (DFW): Seven daily flights Feb 5–6; eight return flights Feb 9
• Los Angeles (LAX): Three daily flights Feb 5–6; four return flights Feb 9
• Miami (MIA): One daily flight Feb 5–6; one return flight Feb 9
• New York (JFK): One daily flight Feb 5–6; one return flight Feb 9
• Philadelphia (PHL): One daily flight Feb 5–6; one return flight Feb 9–10
• Phoenix (PHX): Six daily flights Feb 5–6; five daily return flights Feb 9

Photo: Tobias Gudat

Bottom Line

With the relaunch of its Phoenix–Anchorage service and its expanded presence at San Jose for the Super Bowl, American Airlines is positioning itself to capture both leisure and event-driven demand.

The dual focus highlights the carrier’s strategy of strengthening seasonal routes while providing flexibility for large-scale sporting events.

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