Delta Air Lines will begin operating nonstop flights between Los Angeles International Airport and Manila, Philippines, starting March 28, 2027. The initial schedule will feature three flights per week, increasing to daily service from June 7, 2027, making Delta the only U.S. airline to serve this route nonstop.
Flight Operations and Aircraft
The nonstop flight covers approximately 6,348 nautical miles with a flight duration of about 14 to 15 hours. Delta will deploy its Airbus A350-900 aircraft on the route. Passengers can select from four cabin classes on these flights: Delta One, Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort, and Delta Main Cabin.
Delta’s Market Strategy and Competition
This route marks
Delta’s return to the Philippines after a six-year gap following the discontinuation of its Tokyo Narita to Manila service in March 2020. The nonstop LAX–Manila service positions Delta for direct competition with Philippine Airlines, which currently operates several daily flights on this transpacific corridor. The launch also fits into Delta’s broader strategy to expand its Asia-Pacific network and enhance Los Angeles as its key West Coast hub.
Benefits for Travelers and Lounge Access
Travelers will have a new nonstop option between Los Angeles and Manila, providing an alternative to existing services by Philippine Airlines. Delta One customers departing from Los Angeles will gain access to two
exclusive Delta One Lounges, including a recently opened facility in Terminal 2, which offers elevated dining and personalized service.
Official Statements and Network Impact
Jeff Arinder, Delta’s Vice President of Network Planning, stated, “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.” He added, “The addition of Manila builds on the world-class travel experience our customers have come to expect from Delta while strengthening our position as LAX’s leading global carrier and premier West Coast hub.”
Regional Importance and Airline Partnerships
Manila serves as the primary international gateway to the Philippines and
stands as one of Southeast Asia’s major commercial and cultural centers. Delta’s new nonstop route will also strengthen its joint venture with Korean Air, which extends connectivity to over 260 destinations across the Americas and more than 60 destinations throughout Asia.
