Delta Onboarding Nonstop from Los Angeles to the Philippines

ATLANTA — Delta Air Lines (DL) has begun steps to add a continuous flight from Los Angeles (LAX) to Manila (MNL), starting next year. The airline recently filed its plans with the US Department of Transportation.

Delta is aiming to increase its presence in the Philippines, but this move is somewhat competitive.

The backstory

Philippine Airlines (PR) has applied to the US DOT to start service from Chicago O'Hare (ORD) to Manila.

In its filing, DL asked the US DOT to delay its decision on PR — until it receives confirmation of priority placement at Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport —from the Philippine government.

This daily flight on an Airbus A350-900 would be DL's first continuous flight from the United States to the Philippines. They've entered the Philippines from other countries in the past; until six years ago, DL entered Manila from Tokyo.

“The other guys”

If approved, DL would not be alone over the Pacific skies. PR currently flies from LAX to Manila. PR and United Airlines (UA) already offer nonstop flights from San Francisco to Manila.

The DL service will include more choices and equal benefits for would-be travelers. Business-class seating, relaxed seating, and earning SkyMiles are among the pluses of the proposed flight.

Delta's new LAX-MAL flight is not set. But pending US DOT review and agreement, Delta's first nonstop flight from L.A. to Manila could be in Summer 2027.