Delta Air Lines is set to expand its long-haul network significantly with the introduction of ten new ultra-long routes in 2026. This move reinforces Delta’s position as the second-largest operator of long-haul passenger flights globally, following United Airlines. According to OAG data, Delta currently operates one in every 20 long-haul flights worldwide, a figure that rises to over one in eight for routes departing from the United States.
The airline is particularly notable for its extensive operations to Africa, where it stands as the largest US carrier. Delta also ranks second in services to Asia, Australasia, and Europe, and is third for the Middle East. Its new route to Riyadh is expected to enhance its standing in this region significantly.
New Routes and Operational Details
Delta’s analysis of its schedule for January to October 2026 reveals the ten longest routes, with several entries being newly introduced. The airline will launch service from Los Angeles to Melbourne on December 3, marking its first-ever flights to Victoria’s capital. Additionally, a route from Los Angeles to Hong Kong will commence on June 6, returning to the Pearl of the Orient, a destination Delta last served in 2016. Another significant addition is the Atlanta to Riyadh route, which will begin on October 24, making it the airline’s sixth-longest route by travel time and the third-longest from Atlanta.
These new routes are bolstered by strategic partnerships, including a codeshare agreement with Saudia and collaboration with Riyadh Air, the country’s emerging flagship carrier.
Flight Durations and Capacity
Delta’s ultra-long routes will feature maximum block times as follows:
– **16h 55m**: Johannesburg to Atlanta, operating five to daily flights using a **275-seat A350-900**.
– **16h 30m**: Cape Town to Atlanta, with three to five weekly flights on the same aircraft.
– **16h 15m**: Detroit to Shanghai Pudong, with daily services on a **306-seat A350-900**.
– **16h 05m**: Los Angeles to Melbourne, with three weekly flights.
– **16h 00m**: Atlanta to Seoul Incheon, operating twice daily.
– **15h 35m**: Riyadh to Atlanta, with three weekly flights.
– **15h 30m**: Los Angeles to Hong Kong, along with Detroit to Seoul Incheon, both with daily flights.
– **15h 15m**: Los Angeles to Sydney, which will operate daily up to 11 times a week.
– **14h 45m**: Los Angeles to Brisbane, a seasonal route with three weekly flights.
These schedules are subject to change, reflecting Delta’s operational flexibility and the growing demand for long-haul travel.
Recent Developments and Market Impact
In a notable development, Delta began service from Los Angeles to Brisbane in December 2024, marking its first flights to the capital of Queensland and adding to its Australian offerings alongside the established Los Angeles to Sydney route. This expansion means that all three major US airlines now offer flights to Queensland, with United launching its service in October 2022 and American Airlines following in October 2024.
During its inaugural season from December 2024 to March 2025, Delta’s Brisbane route achieved an impressive **85% load factor**, surpassing Qantas’ **79%**. This strong performance indicates robust demand for the new service, especially when compared to United’s previous offering, which recorded a lower **49% load factor** during its brief operation.
Delta’s long-haul strategy is not without historical context. An analysis of routes since 2005 reveals that only two other routes have exceeded a block time of **16h 55m**. Flights from Mumbai to Atlanta and from Dubai to Atlanta recorded maximum times of **17h 55m** and **17h 28m**, respectively. While Delta has not operated routes to India or the UAE in recent years, there is a clear intention to return to the Indian market in the future.
As Delta Air Lines prepares to roll out its new ultra-long routes, the airline is poised to enhance its global connectivity and meet the increasing demands of international travelers. With strategic partnerships and a focus on operational excellence, Delta aims to solidify its presence in key markets around the world.