Delta Air Lines will launch its first-ever nonstop flights from Los Angeles to Manila on March 28, 2027, becoming the only U.S. carrier to offer direct service on the route. The airline will operate the new flights three times weekly initially, using its Airbus A350-900 aircraft, before expanding to daily service on June 7, 2027.
The announcement marks Delta’s return to the Philippines after a six-year absence. According to Aviation Week, the airline previously served Manila from Tokyo Narita Airport, ending that fifth-freedom route in March 2020 at the onset of the pandemic. This new nonstop service from Los Angeles represents a significant expansion of Delta’s Pacific network and a direct challenge to Philippine Airlines, which has long dominated the Los Angeles–Manila market.
Delta’s Vice President of Network Planning Jeff Arinder said in the airline’s official announcement, “Customers traveling through Los Angeles continue to benefit from Delta’s investments in LAX, including an expanding Asia-Pacific network and the opening of our second Delta One Lounge.” The new Manila route builds on Delta’s broader strategy to strengthen Los Angeles as its premier West Coast hub, complementing recent launches to Hong Kong, Melbourne, and Shanghai, plus announced service to Vancouver and Newark.
The route spans approximately 6,348 nautical miles and takes roughly 14 to 15 hours of flight time. Passengers will experience Delta’s full cabin offerings aboard the A350-900: Delta One (flat-bed premium seating), Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort, and Delta Main. Delta One customers at Los Angeles will have access to the airline’s two Delta One Lounges, including the recently opened Terminal 2 location, which features elevated dining and personalized service.
Manila is one of Southeast Asia’s most important commercial and cultural centers, serving as the Philippines’ primary international gateway. The route also strengthens Delta’s joint venture with Korean Air, expanding customer choice across the Pacific. Through their partnership, Delta and Korean Air connect travelers to over 260 destinations throughout the Americas and more than 60 destinations across Asia.
The new nonstop service competes directly with Philippine Airlines, which currently operates multiple daily flights on the Los Angeles–Manila route. This marks the first time U.S. travelers departing from Los Angeles have had a nonstop alternative to the flag carrier on this major transpacific corridor.
Sources
- Delta News Hub — Official announcement of the new Los Angeles–Manila nonstop route, service schedule, aircraft type, and LAX network expansion strategy
- Aviation Week — Confirmation of route launch date, frequency, and Delta’s previous Manila service ending in March 2020
- Simple Flying — Reporting that Delta is the only U.S. carrier offering nonstop Los Angeles–Manila flights
- BusinessWorld Online — Service schedule details and route confirmation
- AeroXplorer — Route details and confirmation of Delta’s return to the Philippines
