US Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Lipton said Delta Air Lines’ planned nonstop service between Manila and Los Angeles is a sign of the strong partnership between the Philippines and the United States.

“I’m so excited that Delta Airlines is starting nonstop flights between Manila and Los Angeles soon! This is what STRONG partnerships deliver!” Lipton said in an X post on Monday, Aug. 10.

Delta is set to launch its first-ever nonstop flights between Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) on March 28, 2027, adding the Philippines to its global network.

The service will initially operate three times weekly before increasing to daily flights on June 7, 2027, with the route to be operated aboard Airbus A350-900 aircraft.

Delta said it will become the only US carrier to offer nonstop service between Los Angeles and Manila, while Philippine Airlines currently operates nonstop flights on the route. Delta's entry will give travelers a second airline option for direct travel between the two cities.

Delta Vice President of Network Planning Jeff Arinder said the new service would build on the airline’s investments in Los Angeles and expand its Asia-Pacific network from the US West Coast.

“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,” Arinder said.

Delta described Manila on its website as “one of Southeast Asia’s most important commercial and cultural centers,” citing its appeal to business travelers, visitors seeing family and friends, and tourists exploring the Philippines.

The airline also highlighted Filipino cuisine, encouraging visitors to try popular dishes such as lumpia, chicken adobo, halo-halo, and sinigang.

Delta said Manila serves as the country’s primary international gateway, opening access to the Philippines’ diverse destinations, communities, and island resorts.

Los Angeles World Airports Chief Operations and Maintenance Officer Doug Webster said the daily service would provide another direct link between Southern California and Filipino families and communities.

“As a primary gateway to the Pacific, LAX is proud to welcome Delta's new nonstop service to Manila,” Webster said.

The new route will also complement Delta’s joint venture with Korean Air, giving travelers the option of flying nonstop to Manila with Delta or connecting through Seoul on Korean Air.