MANILA, Philippines — Delta Air Lines has signaled its intention to re-enter the Philippine market with daily nonstop flights between Los Angeles (LAX) and Manila (MNL) by summer 2027. However, the move comes with a strategic challenge to Philippine Airlines’ (PAL) expansion plans in the United States.
In a filing with the US Department of Transportation (DOT), Delta urged regulators to defer PAL’s application for a new direct route between Manila and Chicago O’Hare. While Delta does not oppose the route in principle, it argues that a “level playing field” must be established first.
- Reciprocity Concerns: Delta argues that while Philippine carriers have expanded their US presence, American airlines face significant hurdles in Manila, including limited access to airport slots, gates, and infrastructure at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
- Conditions for Approval: Delta has asked the US DOT to approve PAL’s Chicago bid only after the Philippine government provides written assurances that US carriers will receive “commercially viable” access to Manila’s airport infrastructure.
- Delta’s Flight Plan: The proposed daily service would utilize Airbus A350-900 aircraft, marking a major return to nonstop operations for the US carrier in the Philippines.
Philippine Airlines currently remains the dominant carrier for US-Philippines direct travel. It plans to increase its Manila-Los Angeles frequency to 18 weekly flights starting June 2026. The flag carrier also operates routes to San Francisco, New York (JFK), Honolulu, and Guam.
The recent phase-out of turboprop operations at NAIA to reduce congestion has opened up more opportunities for international expansion, but the competition for prime slots remains a point of contention between international airlines and local authorities.
