Delta To Become The Only U.S. Airline Flying Nonstop Between LAX and Manila

In a major development for transpacific aviation, Delta Air Lines has officially announced its first-ever nonstop service connecting the U.S. mainland directly to the Philippines. Launching in spring 2027, the highly anticipated route between Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) establishes Delta as the only U.S. carrier to offer a direct link between these two major global hubs.

Whether you are visiting family, traveling for business, or eager to explore the world-class beaches of Boracay and Palawan, this historic route completely changes the landscape for points and miles collectors. Here is everything you need to know about Delta’s newest Pacific crown jewel.

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Flight Schedule and Frequency

The new transpacific link is slated to take flight on March 28, 2027. To align with seasonal demand, Delta is deploying a phased rollout strategy for the roughly 7,300-mile journey:

• Inaugural Phase (March 28 – June 6, 2027): The flight will operate three times per week, allowing the airline to smoothly integrate the long-haul route into its network.


• Daily Phase (Starting June 7, 2027): Just in time for the peak summer travel season, the route will upgrade to a daily schedule in both directions.

For travelers planning ahead, reservations are expected to load directly into the system on July 19, 2026, meaning you can lock in your itinerary nearly a year in advance.

The Aircraft: Flagship Comfort on the Airbus A350-900

A ultra-long-haul flight of nearly 16 hours requires a premier passenger experience, and Delta is delivering by deploying its flagship Airbus A350-900 on the route. The widebody aircraft will feature Delta's standard four-class layout, catering to every style of traveler:

• Delta One Suites: Premium flyers can enjoy maximum privacy with fully closing doors, luxury lie-flat bedding, and personalized culinary menus.


• Delta Premium Select: A dedicated premium economy cabin boasting wider seats, deeper recline, and upgraded footrests.


• Delta Comfort+: Extra legroom and dedicated overhead bin space to ensure a cozy journey.


• Main Cabin: Standard economy seating paired with Delta's industry-leading seatback entertainment and free, fast Wi-Fi for SkyMiles members.

A Massive Win for the Filipino-American Community

Southern California is home to one of the largest Filipino communities outside of the Philippines, making this route an incredibly logical step for Delta’s premier West Coast hub. Historically, travelers on this route have either flown Philippine Airlines or endured lengthy layovers at connecting hubs like Tokyo, Seoul, or Taipei.

By eliminating the connection entirely, Delta is saving travelers hours of transit time. Furthermore, travelers originating elsewhere in the U.S. can take advantage of Delta's massive domestic footprint at LAX, booking single-itinerary, one-stop connections through Terminal 3 straight to Manila.

Strategic Power: The Korean Air Joint Venture

Interestingly, this isn't Delta's first time touching down in Manila. The airline previously operated tag flights to the capital from Tokyo Narita and Seoul Incheon, though those fifth-freedom routes were retired during the pandemic.

This new direct flight doesn't replace Delta's partners; instead, it strengthens its highly successful joint venture with Korean Air. Travelers now have the ultimate flexibility: they can book a seamless nonstop with Delta out of LAX or choose an itinerary connecting through Seoul Incheon on Korean Air, providing unmatched flexibility across the Pacific.

The Bottom Line

Delta's expansion to Manila proves that the carrier is deeply committed to capitalizing on massive Asia-Pacific travel demand. For SkyMiles members and international globetrotters alike, having a premium, points-friendly, and nonstop U.S.-carrier option to the Philippines is an extraordinary milestone. Keep your calendars marked for the July 2026 booking launch, and get ready to experience Manila like never before.

Delta Air Lines Unveils 10 New Nonstop Long-Haul Routes

Delta Air Lines is making the world a little smaller—and a lot more reachable—in 2026. Setting the stage for its largest-ever international expansion, the Atlanta-based carrier has announced a massive wave of new nonstop long-haul flights. From sun-drenched Mediterranean islands to futuristic Middle Eastern capitals and bustling Asian hubs, Delta’s newest routes are designed for travelers who want to skip the layover and get straight to the destination.

Here is a closer look at 10 of the most exciting new long-haul routes taking flight this year.

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The Mediterranean Expansion

Delta is heavily targeting European summer leisure travel, moving beyond traditional hub cities to offer direct access to historic coastlines and hidden gems directly from the East Coast.

• New York (JFK) to Olbia, Sardinia (OLB): Launching in May 2026, [Delta Air Lines](https://news.delta.com/category/routes-destinations) is flying the first-ever nonstop service from the U.S. to Sardinia's stunning Costa Smeralda.


• New York (JFK) to Malta (MLA): Starting in June, a new thrice-weekly flight will bring travelers straight to the UNESCO-listed streets of Valletta.


• New York (JFK) to Porto, Portugal (OPO): Daily flights kick off in May, catering to travelers chasing world-class wine and riverside charm.


• Boston (BOS) to Nice, France (NCE): New Englanders can skip the hub-hopping and fly directly to the French Riviera three times a week starting in May.


• Boston (BOS) to Madrid, Spain (MAD): Daily service launches in May utilizing the state-of-the-art Airbus A330-900neo.

Connecting the West Coast to the World

Delta is also strengthening its Pacific gateways with long-awaited connections and returning favorites.

• Seattle (SEA) to Rome, Italy (FCO): Launching in May, this route finally connects the Pacific Northwest directly to the Eternal City.


• Seattle (SEA) to Barcelona, Spain (BCN): Starting in May, three weekly flights will link Seattle to the Catalan capital.


• Los Angeles (LAX) to Hong Kong (HKG): After a long hiatus, Delta is returning to Hong Kong with daily service launching in June, re-establishing a crucial transpacific link.

Breaking New Ground

• Atlanta (ATL) to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (RUH): In one of its boldest moves, Delta is launching its first-ever nonstop flight to Saudi Arabia in October 2026. Flown on an Airbus A350-900, it makes Delta the only U.S. carrier to offer direct service between the two nations.


• Salt Lake City (SLC) to Lima, Peru (LIM): Connecting two of the world's great outdoor adventure regions, this pioneering route opens up direct access to South America from Delta's Mountain West hub.

The Bottom Line for Travelers

With more widebody aircraft equipped with premium cabin options rolling out across these routes, Delta is focusing on both reach and comfort. Whether you are chasing the summer sun in the Mediterranean or heading across the Pacific for business, booking early is highly recommended—especially for exclusive leisure routes like Sardinia and Malta, where demand is expected to be incredibly high.

These new additions prove that the appetite for long-haul international travel is only growing, and the industry is rapidly evolving to bring the farthest corners of the map a little closer to home.