As the northern winter aviation season approaches, Delta Air Lines has announced its schedule for long-haul flights, highlighting a robust expansion in its services. The airline will switch to winter operations on October 26, 2023, maintaining this schedule until March 28, 2024. According to data from Cirium Diio, Delta ranks fifth globally in terms of the number of long-haul services, following industry leaders like Emirates, United Airlines, Qatar Airways, and British Airways.
Despite the vast scope of Delta’s operations, only one in 25 flights will be long-haul. This winter, the airline’s long-haul services will increase by 3% compared to last year, reaching the highest level since before the pandemic. Notably, long-haul services have surged by over a fifth compared to the winter of 2019/2020.
Delta’s Longest Nonstop Flights
Delta’s ten longest nonstop flights this winter include a new addition to its roster: a route from Los Angeles to Melbourne. This flight, with a maximum block time of 16 hours and 5 minutes, is set to launch on December 3, 2023. This route will mark the first time Delta has operated between these two cities and will compete with services from Qantas and United Airlines.
Another significant route is the Los Angeles to Shanghai Pudong service, which Delta resumed on June 1, 2025, after a hiatus since 2020. This airport is one of the busiest globally, and Delta will be competing with China Eastern and United Airlines on this route.
The table below outlines Delta’s longest flights for the upcoming winter season:
– **Johannesburg to Atlanta**: 17 hours, five weekly flights on A350-900 (275-seat configuration)
– **Cape Town to Atlanta**: 16 hours 30 minutes, five weekly flights on A350-900 (275-seat configuration)
– **Detroit to Shanghai Pudong**: 16 hours 15 minutes, daily flights on A350-900 (306-seat configuration)
– **Atlanta to Seoul Incheon**: 16 hours 05 minutes, two daily flights on A350-900 (275-seat configuration)
– **Los Angeles to Melbourne**: 16 hours 05 minutes, three weekly flights on A350-900 (275-seat configuration)
– **Los Angeles to Sydney**: 15 hours 15 minutes, up to 11 weekly flights on A350-900 (275-seat configuration)
– **Los Angeles to Brisbane**: 14 hours 45 minutes, three weekly flights on A350-900 (275-seat configuration)
– **Atlanta to Tokyo Haneda**: 14 hours 35 minutes, daily flights on A350-900 (306-seat configuration)
– **Minneapolis to Seoul Incheon**: 14 hours 20 minutes, daily flights on A350-900 (275-seat/306-seat configurations)
– **Los Angeles to Shanghai Pudong**: 14 hours 10 minutes, three weekly flights on A350-900 (275-seat configuration)
Aircraft and Configurations
Delta operates a fleet of 38 A350-900s, which come in three different configurations, ranging from 275 to 339 seats. The variation allows the airline to cater to different market demands and optimize fuel efficiency. The majority of the long-haul flights will utilize the 275-seat configuration, which is designed for high-premium services. This setup is lighter and consumes less fuel, thereby enhancing range.
Delta’s long-haul operations have seen various changes over the years. The airline previously operated flights such as Atlanta to Mumbai, which was its longest nonstop flight between 2008 and 2009. Delta has also served routes to Hong Kong and Dubai, with expectations to re-enter the Indian market as new aircraft are introduced into the fleet.
As Delta Air Lines prepares for the winter season, it demonstrates a commitment to expanding its long-haul offerings while maintaining competitive services in key markets. The addition of the Melbourne route underscores the airline’s strategic growth amidst a recovering travel landscape.