Delta Adds Nonstop LAX to Manila Route for 2027

Delta Air Lines announced it will launch nonstop service from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Manila, Philippines, on March 28, 2027. This new route represents Delta's first direct flight between the U.S. mainland and the Philippines and is part of the airline's strategy to expand its transpacific network. The service aims to cater to SkyMiles members seeking new destinations in the South Pacific and Southeast Asia.

This expansion from LAX follows other recent long-haul additions, including nonstop flights to Hong Kong, which commenced last month, and to Melbourne, Australia, which began in December. Delta executives have identified transpacific service as a significant growth area for the airline in the coming years, driven by customer demand for destinations currently not served directly. Chief Commercial Officer Joe Esposito highlighted on the July 10 earnings call that the airline is focusing on routes to places like Hong Kong, Melbourne, and other locations in the South Pacific and Southeast Asia.

While this marks Delta's first nonstop service to Manila from the U.S. mainland, the airline has a history of operating flights to Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL). Previously, Delta operated fifth-freedom service from Seoul and Tokyo Narita to Manila. These routes were suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic and have not been reinstated. The upcoming nonstop service from LAX will make Delta the second airline, and the first U.S. carrier, to connect Los Angeles directly with Manila.