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Manila Bulletin devider Business devider Trade & Industry devider Delta moves to break PAL monopoly on Los Angeles-Manila direct flights

Delta moves to break PAL monopoly on Los Angeles-Manila direct flights

Published Jul 17, 2026 03:14 pm
Delta Air Lines Inc. is making a direct bid for the lucrative trans-Pacific market with the introduction of its first-ever nonstop flights between Manila and Los Angeles, escalating competition among major carriers on one of the region’s busiest travel corridors.
The Atlanta-based airline announced that it plans to commence the service in March 2027, deploying its flagship Airbus A350-900 aircraft to challenge the long-standing dominance of Philippine Airlines (PAL) on the direct route.
The three-times-weekly service is scheduled to launch from Los Angeles International Airport on March 28, 2027, and from Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport on March 30, 2027, before expanding to a daily frequency by June 7, 2027.
”We look forward to welcoming customers in the Philippines onboard for Delta’s nonstop service to the US,” Jeff Moomaw, Delta’s vice president – Asia Pacific said. “As we continue growing across the Asia Pacific region, Manila represents an exciting opportunity to introduce more travelers to Delta's premium experience while expanding access to our global network.”
The expansion comes amid Delta’s broader shift toward cementing Los Angeles as its premier West Coast gateway for trans-Pacific operations, moving away from its previous reliance on Seattle.
By utilizing the twin-engine A350-900, Delta aims to capture high-yield business travelers with premium offerings.
The move intensifies a rivalry with both local flag carrier PAL, which is ramping up its Southern California operations, and United Airlines Holdings Inc., which currently connects Manila through San Francisco.
Delta is also leveraging its joint venture with Korean Air Lines Co. to give passengers the option of either flying direct or routing through Seoul’s Incheon hub.
The announcement of the route follows regulatory maneuvering in Washington. Delta’s intention to fly direct to Manila first came to light in regulatory filings with the US Department of Transportation.
In those filings, Delta urged US regulators to delay approving a request by PAL to launch flights to Chicago until the Philippine government provided written assurances that US carriers would have equitable access to landing slots at NAIA.

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Delta Air Lines Inc. Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Los Angeles
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