Delta Air Lines will launch its first ever nonstop flights from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Manila, Philippines, on March 28, 2027. It will be the only U.S. carrier offering nonstop service on this route.
Flight Frequency and Aircraft Details
The new flights will initially operate three times weekly using Airbus A350-900 aircraft. Starting June 7, 2027, the service will increase to daily flights. The approximately 6,348 nautical mile route will have a flight time of roughly 14 to 15 hours.
Background on Delta’s Manila Service
Delta previously served Manila from Tokyo Narita Airport but ceased that service in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This nonstop route
from LAX marks Delta’s return to the Philippines after a six-year absence.
Market Competition and Route Impact
This new nonstop flight places Delta in direct competition with Philippine Airlines, which currently operates multiple daily nonstop flights between Los Angeles and Manila. Delta’s service provides U.S. travelers departing from Los Angeles with the first nonstop alternative to Philippine Airlines on this transpacific corridor.
Passenger Experience and Lounges
Passengers aboard the Airbus A350-900 will have access to Delta’s full cabin offerings, including Delta One, Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort, and Delta Main cabins. Delta One customers departing LAX will have access to two Delta One Lounges, including a new Terminal 2
lounge featuring elevated dining and personalized service.
Strategic Importance and Connectivity
Jeff Arinder, Delta 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 also said, “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.”
The nonstop service also enhances Delta’s joint venture with Korean Air, expanding connectivity to over 260 destinations in the Americas and more
than 60 destinations across Asia, leveraging both carriers’ networks.
Broader Network Expansion
The launch at LAX aligns with Delta’s ongoing strategy to develop Los Angeles as its premier West Coast hub. This includes recent expansions of Asia-Pacific routes from LAX to destinations such as Hong Kong, Melbourne, and Shanghai, as well as new services to Vancouver and Newark.
Manila’s Importance
Manila serves as the Philippines’ primary international gateway and is one of Southeast Asia’s key commercial and cultural centers, making this nonstop service a significant strategic expansion for Delta’s Pacific network.
