Key Takeaways
• Delta launches daily nonstop LAX–Hong Kong flights June 6, 2026, using Airbus A350-900 with premium cabins.
• Three daily LAX–Chicago O’Hare flights start June 7, 2026, on Boeing 737-800 offering Delta First and Comfort+.
• Over 20 tons cargo capacity per LAX–Hong Kong flight boosts transpacific shipping for electronics and perishables.
Delta Air Lines is making a bold move at Los Angeles International Airport by adding daily nonstop flights to Hong Kong International Airport and three daily flights to Chicago O’Hare. Starting in June 2026, these new routes will give travelers and cargo shippers more choices, better service, and stronger connections across the Pacific and within the United States 🇺🇸.
Delta’s expansion at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) comes at a time when travel between the United States 🇺🇸 and Asia is bouncing back, but not yet back to where it was before the pandemic. The airline’s decision to launch these routes shows confidence in the future of international travel and a commitment to serving both business and leisure customers.
Delta’s New Routes: What’s Changing at LAX
Delta will start daily nonstop flights from Los Angeles International Airport to Hong Kong International Airport on June 6, 2026. This marks Delta’s return to Hong Kong after a seven-year break. The last time Delta flew to Hong Kong was from Seattle in 2018. The new service will use the Airbus A350-900, a modern plane with four different cabin classes: Delta One Suite, Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort+, and Main Cabin. Passengers flying in Delta One will enjoy special perks, including access to the new Delta One Lounge at LAX, which offers nearly 200 seats, a chef-curated menu, a sushi bar, a wellness room, and concierge check-in.
On June 7, 2026, Delta will also begin three daily flights between Los Angeles International Airport and Chicago O’Hare International Airport. These flights will use the Boeing 737-800, offering Delta First, Comfort+, and Main Cabin seating. This route is one of the busiest in the country, already served by American Airlines and United Airlines, along with several low-cost carriers. By adding more flights, Delta aims to give travelers more options and strengthen its position on this important corridor.
Why These Routes Matter
The new Hong Kong route is especially important for several reasons:
- Asia-Pacific Network Growth: With this addition, Delta will serve five Asia-Pacific destinations from LAX: Tokyo Haneda, Sydney, Shanghai Pudong (resuming in June 2025), Melbourne (starting December 2025), and now Hong Kong.
- Cargo Capacity: Each flight to Hong Kong will offer over 20 tons of cargo space in the plane’s belly. This is a big deal for companies shipping electronics, fresh food, and online shopping goods between Asia and North America.
- Competition: Delta will compete directly with Cathay Pacific (which has three daily LAX–HKG flights) and United Airlines (two daily). This will increase the total nonstop capacity on the route by over 20% and add 4,300 weekly seats, giving travelers more choices and likely better prices.
For the Chicago route, Delta’s move is about giving business and leisure travelers more flexibility and options. The airline is also looking to attract loyal SkyTeam alliance customers who want to stick with one network for their trips.
Delta’s Investment in Los Angeles International Airport
Delta is not just adding flights; it’s also investing heavily in its facilities at LAX. The airline has spent over $2.3 billion on airport improvements, including the Sky Way terminal project and the redevelopment of Terminal 3. These upgrades support Delta’s expanded operations and help create a smoother, more comfortable experience for passengers.
Paul Baldoni, Delta’s Senior Vice President of Network Planning, said, “Launching service to Hong Kong and Chicago from LAX strengthens our presence in two of the world’s most dynamic markets. As the largest global carrier at LAX, we’re continuing to invest in routes that matter to our customers and deliver the premium travel experience that they’ve come to expect from Delta.”
Doug Webster, Chief Operations and Maintenance Officer at Los Angeles World Airports, added, “These routes not only enhance our trans-Pacific and domestic reach but also reflect the strength of our partnership with Delta in delivering world-class service to travelers across the Pacific and to key destinations throughout the United States 🇺🇸.”
The Bigger Picture: Travel Trends and Market Context
The timing of Delta’s expansion is important. Travel between the United States 🇺🇸 and Asia is recovering, but it’s not yet back to pre-pandemic levels. In December 2024, international passenger traffic between the US and Asia reached 2.61 million, up 11.7% from the year before but still 22% below 2019. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), airlines in the Asia-Pacific region led the global recovery in 2024, with a 26% increase in international traffic, though still 9% below 2019.
Hong Kong International Airport handled 53 million passengers in 2024, up 34% from 2023 but still below its 2019 peak of 71.5 million. The airport is a major hub for both passengers and cargo, and Delta’s return is expected to boost both areas.
The LAX–HKG route is already highly competitive, with Cathay Pacific and United Airlines dominating. Delta’s entry will shake up the market, offering more choices for travelers, especially those who prefer to fly with SkyTeam alliance partners.
Cargo and Supply Chain Benefits
Delta’s new Hong Kong route is not just about passengers. The airline expects the route to significantly boost its transpacific cargo operations. With over 20 tons of cargo space on each flight, Delta can support global supply chains, especially for industries that rely on fast, reliable shipping between Asia and North America. This includes electronics, fresh food, and e-commerce goods.
For cargo shippers, having more options means better reliability and potentially lower costs. As reported by VisaVerge.com, the increased capacity is expected to help businesses that depend on timely shipments, making it easier to move goods across the Pacific.
Industry Analysis: Risks and Opportunities
Not everyone is convinced that Delta’s Hong Kong route will succeed. Some industry experts, like Gary Leff, point to past failures and the changing political and economic situation in Hong Kong. They wonder if there will be enough demand to keep the route profitable. However, others see this as a smart move, betting that demand for premium and connecting traffic will grow as US–Asia travel returns to near pre-pandemic levels by 2026.
Delta’s partnership with Korean Air, known as a joint venture, is another factor. This partnership allows Delta to offer more connections and options for travelers across the Pacific, making the Hong Kong route more attractive to customers who want to travel beyond Hong Kong to other parts of Asia.
What This Means for Travelers and Cargo Customers
For travelers, the new routes mean:
- More nonstop options between Los Angeles International Airport and Hong Kong International Airport, as well as Chicago O’Hare.
- Better premium services, including the new Delta One Lounge at LAX, concierge check-in, and upgraded cabin choices.
- Expanded SkyTeam connectivity, making it easier to connect to other destinations in Asia and the United States 🇺🇸.
For cargo shippers, the benefits include:
- Increased capacity for transpacific shipments, supporting industries like electronics, perishables, and e-commerce.
- More reliable service and better options for moving goods between Asia and North America.
Travelers and cargo customers can find more information and book tickets at Delta’s official website.
Background: Delta’s History with Hong Kong and Chicago
Delta has a long history of serving Hong Kong, though with some gaps. The airline previously flew to Hong Kong from Seattle (until 2018), Detroit (until 2012), and Tokyo-Narita (until 2016). The new Los Angeles International Airport to Hong Kong International Airport service is part of Delta’s broader plan to rebuild and expand its Asia-Pacific network after the pandemic.
The Los Angeles International Airport to Chicago O’Hare corridor is one of the busiest in the United States 🇺🇸, with over 30 nonstop flights each day across all airlines. This reflects strong demand from both business and leisure travelers.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Delta and LAX
Industry analysts expect air travel between the United States 🇺🇸 and Asia to return to near pre-pandemic levels by 2026, which lines up with Delta’s timing for the Hong Kong route. Delta’s continued investment in Los Angeles International Airport infrastructure and its growing network are expected to strengthen its position as the leading carrier at LAX and a major player in both transpacific and domestic markets.
However, there are risks. The Hong Kong route faces challenges from political changes, strong competition, and shifting demand patterns. Delta’s broad network and partnerships, especially with Korean Air, may help the airline manage these risks and keep the route successful.
Practical Steps for Travelers and Businesses
If you’re planning to travel or ship cargo between Los Angeles International Airport and Hong Kong International Airport or Chicago O’Hare, here’s what you can do:
- Check schedules and book tickets early, especially for the first flights after launch.
- Explore premium services like the Delta One Lounge if you’re flying in a higher cabin class.
- Look for SkyTeam alliance benefits if you’re a frequent flyer or need to connect to other destinations.
- For cargo shipments, contact Delta’s cargo team to learn about capacity, schedules, and booking options.
For official updates on travel policies, airport information, and immigration requirements, you can visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website. This site provides up-to-date information on entry rules, customs, and other important details for travelers entering or leaving the United States 🇺🇸.
Summary Table: Delta’s New LAX Routes (2026 Launch)
| Route | Launch Date | Frequency | Aircraft | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LAX–Hong Kong | June 6, 2026 | Daily nonstop | Airbus A350-900 | 4 cabin classes, Delta One Lounge, 20+ tons cargo, SkyTeam connectivity |
| LAX–Chicago ORD | June 7, 2026 | 3x daily nonstop | Boeing 737-800 | Delta First, Comfort+, Main Cabin, business/leisure focus |
Key Takeaways
- Delta is expanding at Los Angeles International Airport with new nonstop flights to Hong Kong International Airport and Chicago O’Hare, starting June 2026.
- The Hong Kong route marks Delta’s return to the city after seven years, using modern planes and offering premium services.
- Delta’s investment in LAX infrastructure supports its growth and improves the passenger experience.
- Travelers and cargo shippers will benefit from more options, better service, and stronger connections across the Pacific and within the United States 🇺🇸.
- Industry experts see both risks and opportunities for Delta’s new routes, but the airline’s partnerships and network may help it succeed.
For the latest information, booking, or policy updates, visit Delta’s official website or contact Delta customer service. For airport details, check Hong Kong International Airport’s website.
Delta’s move signals a new chapter for Los Angeles International Airport as a global hub, connecting people and goods across continents and helping the world get moving again.
Learn Today
Airbus A350-900 → A modern wide-body aircraft offering four cabin classes and advanced fuel efficiency on long-haul routes.
Boeing 737-800 → A narrow-body jet used for domestic flights, featuring Delta First, Comfort+, and Main Cabin seating options.
Delta One Lounge → Exclusive Delta airport lounge at LAX, offering premium dining, concierge check-in, and wellness amenities for Delta One passengers.
SkyTeam → An airline alliance allowing passengers to connect seamlessly across member airlines’ global networks with shared benefits.
Cargo capacity → The maximum weight of goods an aircraft can carry in its cargo hold, critical for shipping industries.
This Article in a Nutshell
Delta Air Lines returns to Hong Kong with daily nonstop flights from LAX starting June 2026, expanding routes while boosting cargo capacity and premium services. The airline also adds thrice daily LAX–Chicago flights, enhancing options and connectivity for travelers and cargo across key US and Asia-Pacific markets.
— By VisaVerge.com
