Manila: The Department of Tourism (DOT) on Saturday welcomed Delta Air Lines' announcement of a nonstop service between Los Angeles and Manila in 2027. The new route will operate three times weekly from March 28 to June 6, 2027, and will expand to daily flights by June 7, making Delta the only United States carrier to operate direct flights between the two cities.

According to Philippines News Agency, more flights and more choices are seen as beneficial for travelers, as Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay emphasized in a statement. She stated that greater competition can help make air travel more accessible and affordable for Filipinos. The DOT is committed to supporting airline growth and welcomes additional routes, which are anticipated to benefit travelers, airlines, airports, tourism enterprises, and the economy.

As of July 18, the DOT has recorded at least 707,394 visitors from the US, making the country its top source market for international visitors. The DOT expects the upcoming flights to ease travel for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and the Filipino-American community, while also providing another gateway for American travelers to explore the Philippines.

Mathay highlighted the DOT's ongoing efforts to work with local and international carriers to further expand connectivity and open new markets. For many Filipino-Americans, visiting the Philippines is more than a vacation; it is a journey home. The DOT aims to make it easier for more people to experience the Philippines by continuously expanding connectivity and market opportunities.