Delta Confirms Its First-Ever Nonstop Flights From the U.S. to the Philippines, Starting in Early 2027

Updated: July 17, 2026, 8:02am CDT

Edited by:

Jump to Section

Table of Contents

Delta’s Plans for LAX-Manila
Part of a Bigger Philippines Push
Final Thoughts

We may be compensated when you click on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

Delta Air Lines announced today, July 16, that it will launch its first-ever nonstop service between Los Angeles (LAX) and Manila (MNL), putting the Philippines on its route map from a U.S. hub for the first time.

The route surfaced weeks ago through a Department of Transportation filing, but now it’s official. Here’s what the airline confirmed and how it fits into a busy stretch of Philippines route news.

Delta’s Plans for LAX-Manila

Beginning March 28, 2027, Delta will fly nonstop between Los Angeles and Manila aboard its Airbus A350-900, becoming the only U.S. carrier to offer the route — a route Delta previously hinted at but is just now confirming schedules for. Service starts at 3 times weekly and steps up to daily flights on June 7, 2027. As with any new international route, it remains subject to government approval.

The A350-900 carries 4 cabins: Delta One business class, Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort, and Delta Main. That means lie-flat seats up front, a separate premium economy cabin, and the ability to earn and redeem SkyMiles on a nonstop flight to the Philippines.

Delta A350 at Sydney — A Delta A350 aircraft. Image Credit: Daniel Ross

For award travelers, it’s worth watching transfer partners like Virgin Atlantic Flying Club and Air France-KLM Flying Blue, both of which can book Delta’s premium cabins and sometimes beat SkyMiles pricing.

The move also builds on Delta’s growing presence at LAX, where the airline recently opened its second Delta One Lounge and keeps expanding its Pacific network. The new route strengthens Delta’s joint venture with Korean Air, which already runs multiple daily flights between Seoul (ICN) and Manila, giving travelers the choice to fly Delta nonstop or connect through Seoul on a partner.

Part of a Bigger Philippines Push

Delta isn’t the only carrier betting on the Philippines. Philippine Airlines (PAL) already operates its own nonstop LAX-Manila service, and both PAL and United fly nonstop from San Francisco (SFO). PAL is also in the middle of a North America expansion: The carrier returns to Chicago (ORD) with nonstop Manila service on November 9, 2026, its first flights there in nearly 4 decades, while adding frequencies to New York (JFK), Vancouver, and Toronto.

In late 2025, PAL and Southwest Airlines launched an interline partnership, letting travelers book Southwest’s domestic network and PAL’s international flights on a single ticket through gateways like LAX, SFO, Seattle, and Honolulu. And in 2027, PAL is set to join the Oneworld alliance as its 16th member, a move that will eventually connect its Mabuhay Miles program with carriers like American Airlines, British Airways, and Qatar Airways.

In this context, Delta’s new route is 1 piece of a much larger surge in U.S.-Philippines flying, with more seats, more gateways, and more ways to earn and redeem points on the way to Manila.

Hot Tip:

These are the best ways to fly to Southeast Asia using points and miles.

Final Thoughts

Delta’s LAX-Manila route won’t take off until spring 2027, and it still needs government sign-off. But the announcement turns months of speculation into a firm plan, and it arrives during a stretch when the Philippines keeps showing up in route maps and loyalty news. If you’ve been waiting for more premium, points-friendly options to Manila, the next couple of years are shaping up nicely.