The Department of Tourism (DOT) has welcomed Delta Air Lines’ announcement of a new nonstop route connecting Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL), with flights set to begin in March 2027 before increasing to daily service by June 2027.

DOT Welcomes Delta Air Lines’ New Los Angeles–Manila Nonstop Service

Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay described the additional route as a significant step toward improving air connectivity between the Philippines and the United States, providing travelers with more flight options while encouraging greater competition in the aviation industry.

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

The tourism chief emphasized that the government’s priority is to expand the overall travel market rather than simply increase airline capacity.

“Our 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 added.

The United States continues to be the Philippines’ largest international source market for visitors. According to the latest eTravel data, the country recorded 707,394 visitor arrivals from the U.S. as of July 18, 2026, underscoring the need to strengthen air links between the two nations.

Once launched, Delta Air Lines will become the only U.S.-based carrier offering nonstop flights between Los Angeles and Manila. The new service is expected to boost leisure and business travel while providing a more convenient option for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), balikbayans, and the large Filipino-American community traveling between the two countries.

The direct flights are also expected to encourage more American travelers to discover the Philippines’ diverse destinations, cultural attractions, and world-renowned hospitality.

“For many Filipino-Americans, coming to the Philippines is more than a vacation. It is a journey home. 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,” Angara-Mathay said.

Beyond improving accessibility, the DOT is developing specialized travel experiences for balikbayans and second- and third-generation Filipino-Americans who wish to reconnect with their cultural roots and explore their ancestral heritage.

The tourism department reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with both international and local airline partners to strengthen the Philippines’ global air network and make travel to the country more seamless and convenient.

“We look forward to working with our airline partners to continue expanding access to the Philippines and making travel more seamless for everyone,” the tourism chief said.

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