Delta Returns: LAX – Hong Kong Flights Coming June 2026
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Delta Air Lines is officially heading back to Hong Kong, with a brand-new daily nonstop route from Los Angeles (LAX) starting June 6, 2026. The move marks the airline’s return to the Hong Kong market after an eight-year absence.
Delta’s First Hong Kong Route Since 2018
The new flight will be operated by the Airbus A350-900, with the following configuration:
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40 Delta One Suites (business class)
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40 Premium Select (premium economy)
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36 Comfort+ (extra legroom economy)
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159 Main Cabin (economy)
Delta last served Hong Kong from Seattle (SEA) until 2018, when it exited the market citing poor financial performance.
While flight schedules and fares haven’t been published yet, the airline has confirmed the route is part of a broader reassessment of its transpacific strategy.
A Competitive Market from LAX
Delta’s decision to serve Hong Kong from Los Angeles rather than Seattle is a bold one, given the intense competition. The LAX–HKG route is already crowded with:
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Cathay Pacific operating three daily flights
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United Airlines offering two daily flights
Meanwhile, Seattle–Hong Kong remains unserved, making Delta’s choice even more curious.
Currently, Delta’s Asia network from Los Angeles is limited to:
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Shanghai (PVG)
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Tokyo Haneda (HND)
The rest of its Asia-bound passengers are typically routed through its Seoul Incheon (ICN) hub, thanks to its joint venture with Korean Air.
So, is Delta quietly pivoting its Asia growth strategy away from Seattle? Or is this just a standalone route tapping into strong O&D demand from Southern California?
Playing Catch-Up with United
United has been aggressively expanding its Asia network and already offers four daily West Coast–Hong Kong flights, not to mention deep domestic connectivity from its San Francisco (SFO) and Los Angeles (LAX) hubs.
By contrast, Delta’s single LAX–HKG service will lack the same network support and loyalty program appeal—at least for now.
Bottom Line
Delta will return to the Hong Kong market for the first time in eight years, launching daily nonstop service from Los Angeles aboard the Airbus A350-900. Flights begin June 6, 2026, marking a surprising move by the airline, which historically funneled Asia-bound traffic through Seattle or Seoul. The route will face stiff competition, but it’s a significant play for a carrier trying to rebuild its transpacific footprint.
