The winter aviation season is approaching, and Delta Air Lines is preparing to launch its winter schedule on October 26. This schedule will be in effect until March 28, 2026. According to data from Cirium Diio, Delta will operate the world’s fifth-highest number of long-haul flights during this period, trailing only Emirates, United Airlines, Qatar Airways, and British Airways. Despite the rise in long-haul services—up by 3% year-over-year and more than 20% compared to the winter of 2019/2020—only one in every 25 of Delta’s flights will be long-haul.
The airline’s upcoming winter schedule includes its ten longest nonstop flights, which are significant in both distance and duration.
Key Long-Haul Services This Winter
One notable addition is the route from Los Angeles to Melbourne, which is blocked at an impressive 16 hours and 5 minutes. This flight, launching on December 3, marks Delta’s entry into the market for this route, competing with Qantas and United Airlines. It is the first time since the departure of Virgin Australia in 2020 that three carriers will operate on this long-haul route.
Another significant route is the flight from Los Angeles to Shanghai Pudong. Delta resumed this service on June 1, 2025, returning to a key market it had exited in 2020. This route also faces competition from China Eastern and United Airlines.
The following table outlines Delta’s ten longest flights for the upcoming winter, including their respective durations and aircraft configurations:
– **17h 00m**: Johannesburg to Atlanta, five weekly flights on A350-900 (275-seat configuration)
– **16h 30m**: Cape Town to Atlanta, five weekly flights on A350-900 (275-seat configuration)
– **16h 15m**: Detroit to Shanghai Pudong, daily flights on A350-900 (306-seat configuration)
– **16h 05m**: Atlanta to Seoul Incheon, two daily flights on A350-900 (275-seat configuration)
– **16h 05m**: Los Angeles to Melbourne, three weekly flights on A350-900 (275-seat configuration)
– **15h 15m**: Los Angeles to Sydney, up to eleven weekly flights on A350-900 (275-seat configuration)
– **14h 45m**: Los Angeles to Brisbane, three weekly flights on A350-900 (275-seat configuration)
– **14h 35m**: Atlanta to Tokyo Haneda, daily flights on A350-900 (306-seat configuration)
– **14h 20m**: Minneapolis to Seoul Incheon, daily flights on A350-900 (275-seat/306-seat configurations)
– **14h 10m**: Los Angeles to Shanghai Pudong, three weekly flights on A350-900 (275-seat configuration)
Aircraft and Configurations
Delta currently operates 38 A350-900 aircraft, which are configured in three different layouts. The most common configuration features 275 seats, while another layout accommodates 306 seats. A third option, not included in the winter schedule, has 339 seats, although only two aircraft with this configuration remain in service. These will be reconfigured into higher-premium versions as part of Delta’s ongoing fleet upgrades.
The 275-seat high-premium version is lighter and burns less fuel, enhancing the aircraft’s range. With a maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of 283 tons, these aircraft provide the necessary power to handle challenging conditions, particularly in high-altitude and warm locations like Johannesburg.
Historically, Delta has operated other long-haul flights, such as the route from Atlanta to Mumbai, which was its longest nonstop flight during its service from 2008 to 2009. The airline also had a Detroit to Hong Kong route between 2010 and 2012. Delta is expected to resume flights to India once its A350-1000 aircraft begin arriving.
In conclusion, as Delta Air Lines gears up for the winter season, its expanded long-haul offerings highlight the airline’s commitment to connecting global destinations and meeting the demands of international travelers.
