DOT welcomes direct Delta LA-Manila flights in 2027

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Tourism (DOT) welcomed Delta Air Lines’ announcement of a new nonstop service between Los Angeles and Manila beginning March 2027, which will also expand to daily flights by June.

“More flights and more choices are good for travelers. Greater competition can help make air travel more accessible and affordable for Filipinos,” tourism chief Dita Angara-Mathay said.

According to her, “the goal is to grow the overall market.”

“We want our airlines to grow and succeed. At the same time, we welcome more airlines and more routes because a bigger market benefits everyone – travelers, airlines, airports, tourism enterprises and the economy,” she said.

As of July 18, e-travel data showed that the United States remains the Philippines’ leading source market, with 707,394 recorded visitor arrivals.

The launch will also mark Delta as the only US carrier to operate nonstop flights between the two cities.

Beyond tourism and business exchanges, the new route is expected to make homecomings easier for overseas Filipino workers and the Filipino-American community, while also opening another gateway for American travelers to explore the Philippines.

“The DOT will continue working with international and Philippine carriers to expand connectivity, open new markets and make it easier for more people to experience the Philippines,” the tourism chief said.

DOT is also working to curate travel experiences for balikbayans and second and third-generation Filipino-Americans seeking to reconnect with their heritage.