Overview
- Delta disclosed in a U.S. Department of Transportation filing that it plans daily Los Angeles–Manila service starting in summer 2027 using Airbus A350-900 aircraft.
- In the same filing, Delta asked regulators to defer action on Philippine Airlines’ Manila–Chicago application until assurances are provided on slots and airport access at Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
- The push centers on NAIA’s tight slot constraints, where access to desirable arrival and departure times is critical to making long‑haul service commercially competitive.
- Philippine Airlines has requested approval to launch Manila–Chicago as early as summer 2026, and the DOT review of that proposal remains active.
- Delta previously served Manila via other Asian gateways before suspending flights during the pandemic, and industry analysts characterize the new filing as strategic positioning with plans still subject to change.