Delta Is About to Become the Only U.S. Airline to Fly Nonstop to This Asian Capital
If you've ever tried to book a trip from the West Coast to the Philippines, you know the drill: you're almost always looking at a long layover in Seoul, Tokyo, or Taipei. But for Southern California travelers and points enthusiasts, the journey to Southeast Asia is about to get a whole lot smoother.
Delta Air Lines has officially announced that it is launching its first-ever nonstop flights between Los Angeles (LAX) and Manila (MNL).
Beginning March 28, 2027, Delta will become the absolute only U.S. carrier to offer nonstop service between LAX and the Philippine capital. The route will launch aboard Delta's flagship Airbus A350-900, starting at three times weekly before ramping up to a daily scheduled service just in time for the summer rush on June 7, 2027.
For travelers who regularly make the journey across the Pacific to visit family, conduct business, or explore the country's world-class island destinations, this new direct link is a massive deal.
Related: Delta Just Launched a Major Nonstop Pacific Route That Makes Getting to Asia So Much Easier
Expanding Delta's West Coast Momentum
The addition of Manila is the latest piece in a massive, multi-year puzzle Delta has been building at LAX. The airline has been aggressively expanding its Asia-Pacific footprint from its premier West Coast hub, recently rolling out routes to Hong Kong, Shanghai and Melbourne.
According to Jeff Arinder, Delta's Vice President of Network Planning, the new route is a direct extension of the airline's massive investments in Southern California: "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. 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."
For Southern California's vibrant Filipino-American community, the direct flight represents a long-awaited upgrade to how they travel back home. Doug Webster, Chief Operations and Maintenance Officer for Los Angeles World Airports, notes that the connection is incredibly meaningful for the region:
"As a primary gateway to the Pacific, LAX is proud to welcome Delta's new nonstop service to Manila. This daily service gives our guests another direct link to family and culture in the Philippines, and reflects the strength of our partnership with Delta in delivering world-class service to one of Southern California's most deeply connected international markets."
Related: Delta Is Changing Its In-Flight Service-and It Might Actually Be a Relief
Double the Delta One Lounges, Double the Luxury
If you're planning to splurge on a premium cabin for the long trans-Pacific haul, Delta is making sure the luxury experience starts long before you ever step foot on the plane.
With the launch of this route, LAX officially becomes the very first airport in Delta's entire global network to offer two dedicated Delta One Lounges. Premium passengers traveling in Delta One can zip through an exclusive private check-in and security lane, then head straight to the newly opened lounge in Terminal 2. Designed to offer a highly intimate pre-flight experience, the new space features elevated, chef-driven dining, beautifully curated relaxation zones, and personalized white-glove service.
By 2028, Delta plans to operate over 60,000 square feet of dedicated lounge space at LAX alone, offering more than 1,000 premium seats across Terminals 2 and 3.
Related: Delta Just Opened a Second Luxury Lounge at LAX-and It's Surprisingly Cozy
What to Expect Onboard
Once it's time to board, passengers will settle into Delta's state-of-the-art Airbus A350-900, which is configured with four distinct cabin experiences: Delta One, Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort+, and Main Cabin.
Up front in Delta One, travelers will get fully flat-bed seats, luxury bedding, and a refined dining menu designed to make the long-haul flight fly by. No matter where you sit in the aircraft, all passengers will have access to personal seatback entertainment screens, standard power outlets, and Delta's fast, free inflight Wi-Fi (which the airline is officially rolling out to trans-Pacific routes this fall).
For travelers who prefer to customize their journey, the new flight also perfectly integrates with Delta's joint venture partnership with Korean Air. This means you can easily mix and match your travel dates-choosing to fly nonstop with Delta on the way out, and booking a return flight with a quick connection through Korean Air's hub at Seoul Incheon (ICN) on the way back.
The new flights are scheduled to open for booking soon, so get your SkyMiles ready to lock in your spot for a direct escape to the tropics.
Related: Delta Introduces Budget-Friendly 'Basic' Fares for First and Business Class Travel
Copyright 2026 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
This story was originally published July 17, 2026 at 9:10 AM.