Delta Airlines (Delta) is seeking a deferral of approval for Philippine Airlines' plans to launch a new route between Manila and Chicago, as the airline plans to launch its own route between Los Angeles and Manila during the summer of 2027.
In a response to Philippine Airlines' application to the US Department of Transportation (USDOT) filed on February 24, 2026, for the approval of its Manila-Chicago service, Delta filed a response on March 11, 2026. Delta stated while it does not oppose Philippine Airlines' application in principle it is seeking the USDOT to defer action on it until its entry is assured by the Philippine government.
“Delta does not oppose PAL’s requested authority in principle. Delta recognizes that expanded service between the United States and the Philippines can provide public benefits, including enhanced consumer choice and increased trade and tourism between the two countries.”
Philippine Airlines applied for an exemption and expedited approval to launch its planned Manila-Chicago route during the Summer 2026 IATA season. Chicago was selected as one of four points to be chosen under a provision in the Air Service Agreement between the Philippines and the United States (US-Philippines Air Service Agreement).
Delta also stated its own plans to launch daily flights to Manila next summer from Los Angeles using Airbus A350-900 aircraft.
Lack of Reciprocal Access at Manila for US Carriers
“Delta’s service would provide additional competition, new routing options, and expanded connectivity for U.S. and Philippine consumers alike. However, those benefits can only be fully realized if U.S. and Philippine carriers are afforded a level and reciprocal opportunity to access Manila on commercially viable terms.”
The Atlanta-based airline highlighted what it sees as a lack of reciprocal access at Manila which undermines fair competition.
“Despite the clear intent of the U.S.–Philippines Air Transport Agreement to ensure fair and equal opportunity, Delta—like other U.S. carriers—continues to face significant barriers to obtaining commercially viable slots, gates, and related airport infrastructure at Manila necessary to launch and sustain nonstop service.”
Delta continued saying Philippine-based carriers have been able to expand their presence in the US with new non-stop routes and increased flight frequencies despite US carriers unable to obtain reciprocal access at Manila. The airline further stated it is not seeking a denial of Philippine Airlines' application, but a deferral until both Delta and the US Government receives a written assurances from the Philippine government that Delta's planned Manila service will receive “necessary, commercially viable slots, and infrastructure access at Manila.”
“Resolving these access constraints would allow both U.S. and Philippine carriers to expand service in a manner that truly advances consumer welfare, competition, and the objectives of the U.S.–Philippines Air Transport Agreement.”
Philippine Airlines operates the most direct flights between the Philippines and the US. It operates flights to six points in the US - San Francisco, Seattle, Los Angeles, New York-JFK, Honolulu, and Guam. A new Manila-Saipan route will be launched on March 29.
United Airlines is the lone US-based airline operating flights to the Philippines with daily direct flights from Guam and two daily flights from San Francisco.
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