Home / Business and Economy / Delta Launches LAX-Manila Route Amid Tourism Surge
Delta Launches LAX-Manila Route Amid Tourism Surge
23 Jul
Summary
- Philippines travel demand surged from 5.45 million in 2023 to 6.48 million in 2025.
- Delta Air Lines introduces a new direct flight from LAX to Manila in March 2027.
- The new LAX-Manila flight will initially run three times weekly before increasing to daily service.
The Philippines, an archipelago of over 7,600 islands, has seen a dramatic rise in international tourism over the past five years. International arrivals climbed from 5.45 million in 2023 to 6.48 million in 2025, with 3.2 million recorded in the first half of 2026 alone. This increasing demand has prompted airlines to expand routes to Manila and other destinations.
In response, Delta Air Lines will commence a new direct service from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) in Manila in March 2027. This flight, utilizing an Airbus A350-900, will be the sole direct offering by a U.S. airline between the two cities. Initially, the route will operate three times weekly before transitioning to daily service by June 7, 2027.
Delta highlighted Manila's status as a key commercial and cultural hub in Southeast Asia, attracting business travelers, family visitors, and tourists interested in its history, cuisine, and diverse neighborhoods. While Delta previously offered flights via Seoul and Tokyo, this new direct service aims to capture the growing interest in the Philippines as a premier travel destination.
