Delta wants to return to PH before PAL flies to Chicago

Delta Air Lines plans to launch daily nonstop flights between Los Angeles and Manila by summer 2027 as it moves to re-enter the Philippine market. This, while urging US regulators to defer a proposed Philippine Airlines (PAL) route to Chicago.

Delta’s planned service would use Airbus A350-900 aircraft and mark Delta’s return to nonstop operations to the Philippine capital.

The US carrier disclosed the plan in a filing before the US Department of Transportation (DOT). This was submitted in response to PAL’s application for authority to operate direct flights between Manila and Chicago O’Hare.

Delta said it does not oppose PAL’s Chicago route in principle, acknowledging that additional services between the United States and the Philippines could provide benefits, including enhanced consumer choice and increased trade and tourism between the two countries.”

However, the US-based airline asked regulators to defer action on PAL’s application until its own entry into Manila is assured.

“Those benefits can only be fully realized if US and Philippine carriers are afforded a level and reciprocal opportunity to access Manila on commercially viable terms,” Delta said.

Delta argued that US carriers continue to face significant barriers in securing airport slots, gates and other infrastructure in Manila, which are needed to launch and sustain nonstop services.

Nonstop flights

Delta also said Philippine carriers have been able to expand their presence in the US market through new nonstop routes and increased flight frequencies at major American gateways.

“Granting PAL additional US authority while US carriers remain unable to obtain reciprocal access at Manila would further entrench an uneven competitive landscape and would be inconsistent with the Department’s longstanding policy of promoting fair competition,” it added.

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Delta urged regulators to approve PAL’s bid only after the airline received written assurances from the Philippine government that it will obtain commercially viable slots and airport infrastructure access in Manila.

PAL currently operates Manila-Los Angeles flights, which it plans to ramp up to 18 weekly services starting in June.

The flag carrier also flies to other US destinations, including Guam, San Francisco, New York and Honolulu.

In recent months, Ninoy Aquino International Airport has seen an expansion in international flights after Philippine carriers complied with a government-backed directive to phase out turboprop operations at the country’s main gateway to ease congestion.