ATLANTA- Delta Air Lines (DL) has revealed plans to launch daily nonstop flights between Los Angeles (LAX) and Manila (MNL) starting in summer 2027 using Airbus A350-900 aircraft. The plan surfaced in a filing to the US Department of Transportation during a review of Philippine Airlines’ expansion request.
In the filing, Delta asked regulators to delay approval of Philippine Airlines (PR) flights between Manila and Chicago O’Hare (ORD) until the Philippine government guarantees commercially viable airport slots for Delta’s planned Manila service.
Delta Plans Los Angeles–Manila Flights
Delta Air Lines disclosed in a Department of Transportation filing that it intends to launch daily nonstop service between Los Angeles and Manila in summer 2027.
The route would operate using Airbus A350-900 aircraft designed for long haul international operations.
The proposed service would add another nonstop connection between the United States and the Philippines. Delta stated that the route would increase consumer choice, strengthen travel links, and support tourism and trade between the two countries.
According to View from the Wing, the airline revealed the plan through a regulatory filing rather than a formal public announcement. The disclosure indicates that the project remains dependent on regulatory approvals and airport slot access in Manila.
The Los Angeles to Manila route exceeds 7,000 miles and would become one of Delta’s longest flights.
The airline historically limited ultra-long-haul operations, but recent network decisions suggest a shift toward longer international routes.
Delta Seeks Regulatory Leverage
The disclosure appeared in a filing connected to Philippine Airlines’ request to launch service between Manila and Chicago O’Hare.
Delta asked the US Department of Transportation to delay approval of the Philippine Airlines application until the Philippine government provides written assurance that Delta will receive suitable takeoff and landing slots at Manila’s airport.
The airline stated that airport access must be available on commercially viable terms before it can proceed with its own Manila service.
Delta clarified that it does not oppose Philippine Airlines’ Chicago route in principle. However, the airline wants balanced market access to ensure fair competition and operational feasibility.
This approach reflects a common aviation practice where airlines seek reciprocal airport access before approving new international routes.
Singapore And Manila Identified in Delta Expansion Plans
Delta’s interest in Manila was previously revealed internally in October 2025 when a company executive informed employees that the airline was evaluating future routes to Singapore (SIN) and Manila (MNL).
The airline did not initially confirm a timeline or departure city for those routes. The Department of Transportation filing now indicates that Manila service could begin from Los Angeles in 2027.
Industry aviation observer JonNYC previously indicated that Singapore, Manila, and additional Seoul Incheon (ICN) routes from Los Angeles or New York could appear in Delta’s near term international expansion plans.
Delta’s Pacific Strategy
Seattle (SEA) has long been described by Delta as its primary transpacific gateway. Over the past decade, the airline expanded Asian routes from Seattle in an effort to strengthen its Pacific network.
Recent route developments suggest increasing emphasis on Los Angeles. Delta has announced flights from Los Angeles to Hong Kong (HKG), and the proposed Manila route would further expand long-haul operations from the city.
Los Angeles remains one of the largest U.S. markets for travel to the Philippines due to strong cultural ties and a large Filipino American population.
However, Los Angeles is also one of the most competitive aviation markets in the United States. Multiple major airlines operate large networks there, making it difficult for any single airline to dominate the hub.
Competitive Pressure From United Airlines
Among major US airlines, United Airlines (UA) operates the most extensive transpacific network. The airline maintains a major long haul hub at San Francisco (SFO), which serves as its primary gateway to Asia.
United launched nonstop service between San Francisco and Manila in late 2023, strengthening its presence in the Philippines market.
United has also identified Los Angeles as an important growth market. Internal presentations highlighted that the airline ranks second in Los Angeles behind Delta and outlined initiatives to expand operations there.
These developments increase competitive pressure as airlines compete for passenger traffic across the Pacific.
Delta’s Previous Manila Operations
Delta has served Manila before, though not directly from the United States. Before the pandemic, the airline operated flights between Tokyo Narita (NRT) and Manila. The last flight on that route operated on March 27, 2020.
Delta also planned to launch service between Seoul Incheon (ICN) and Manila on March 29, 2020. The launch was delayed to May 1, 2020, due to the pandemic.
The route eventually began operations on January 2, 2021, but was suspended in May 2021 as travel demand remained weak.
The proposed Los Angeles route would represent Delta’s first nonstop service between the United States and Manila if implemented.
Economic Challenges Of The Manila Market
The Manila aviation market typically generates strong passenger demand but lower revenue per seat compared with other transpacific destinations.
Many travelers fly to visit family or relatives, which can result in lower average fares than premium business markets such as Tokyo or Singapore.
Operating a 7,000-mile route also involves high operating costs. Airlines rely on efficient aircraft such as the Airbus A350 to reduce fuel consumption and improve route economics.
Airlines increasingly evaluate routes based not only on ticket revenue but also on loyalty programs and network connectivity. Even routes with modest direct profit can support broader airline revenue through frequent flyer programs and partner partnerships.
Future Outlook
Delta’s Department of Transportation filing confirms the airline’s intention to begin Los Angeles to Manila service in summer 2027.
However, the timeline depends on regulatory approvals and the availability of suitable airport slots in Manila.
If implemented, the route would mark a significant expansion of Delta’s transpacific network and strengthen Los Angeles as a key hub for long haul Asian flights.
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