For the first time in nearly a decade, Tri-Citians can hop on a commercial flight rather than spending hours driving down Interstate 84 to get to Portland. 

Alaska Airlines launched its new twice-daily route between the Tri-Cities and Portland International airports on June 10. It will be served by an Embraer 175 aircraft, which can seat up to 76 passengers. 

The route has been the most requested by travelers since its departure. The flight schedule will allow for travelers to visit and leave Portland within the same day, with a morning departure from Pasco at 5:25 a.m. and a return flight from Portland leaving that city as late as 9:40 p.m. The other Pasco departure will be at 3:59 p.m.