Delta Air Lines is set to expand its long-haul service significantly in 2026 by introducing ten new ultra-long routes. This move positions Delta as the second-largest operator of long-haul passenger flights globally, only behind United Airlines. According to OAG data, Delta currently operates one out of every 20 long-haul services worldwide, a figure that increases to over one in eight for U.S. routes.
New Routes and Market Expansion
Delta’s latest routes include connections from Los Angeles to Melbourne and Hong Kong, as well as a new service from Atlanta to Riyadh. The Los Angeles to Melbourne route, which commenced on December 3, marks Delta’s inaugural service to the capital of Victoria. The airline plans to launch the Los Angeles to Hong Kong route on June 6, 2026, returning to a market last served in 2016. The Atlanta to Riyadh service will begin on October 24, making it Delta’s sixth-longest route based on flight duration and its third-longest from Atlanta. This new addition is facilitated by funding from the Saudi Air Connectivity Program and a strategic partnership with Riyadh Air.
The ultra-long routes reflect Delta’s commitment to enhancing its international service offerings and catering to growing passenger demand. The addition of these routes not only increases the airline’s global presence but also strengthens its position in key markets.
Route Details and Flight Durations
Delta’s ten longest routes for 2026 have been identified through an analysis of its flight schedule from January to October. Here are the key details:
– **Johannesburg to Atlanta:** 16 hours 55 minutes, five to daily flights, using a 275-seat A350-900.
– **Cape Town to Atlanta:** 16 hours 30 minutes, three to five weekly flights, also on a 275-seat A350-900.
– **Detroit to Shanghai Pudong:** 16 hours 15 minutes, daily flights on a 306-seat A350-900.
– **Los Angeles to Melbourne:** 16 hours 05 minutes, three weekly flights on a 275-seat A350-900.
– **Atlanta to Seoul Incheon:** 16 hours, twice daily on a 275-seat A350-900.
– **Riyadh to Atlanta:** 15 hours 35 minutes, three weekly flights on a 275-seat A350-900.
– **Los Angeles to Hong Kong:** 15 hours 30 minutes, daily flights on a 275-seat A350-900.
– **Detroit to Seoul Incheon:** 15 hours 30 minutes, daily flights on a 275-seat A350-900.
– **Los Angeles to Sydney:** 15 hours 15 minutes, daily to 11 weekly flights on a 275-seat A350-900.
– **Los Angeles to Brisbane:** 14 hours 45 minutes, seasonal, three weekly flights on a 275-seat A350-900.
These flight durations highlight Delta’s capability to connect passengers to major international destinations efficiently.
Delta’s recent expansion into the Brisbane market reflects its strategy to capture more of the Australian travel sector. The airline began service from Los Angeles to Brisbane in December 2024, marking its first entry into Queensland. This route complements its existing Los Angeles to Sydney service, which has been operational since July 2009. Delta now provides two Australian routes for the first time, joining United Airlines and American Airlines in offering direct flights to this region.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Delta’s inaugural season in Brisbane from December 2024 to March 2025 saw an impressive 85% seat occupancy rate, surpassing Qantas’ 79%. This strong demand indicates a positive reception for Delta’s services in Australia.
Historical Context and Future Prospects
Since 2005, Delta has explored various long-haul routes, with only two others previously exceeding 16 hours 55 minutes in flight time. Flights from Mumbai to Atlanta reached up to 17 hours 55 minutes, while those from Dubai had a maximum block time of 17 hours 28 minutes. Delta operated the Atlanta to Mumbai route between 2008 and 2009 and offered services to Dubai from 2007 until 2016. Although these routes are no longer active, Delta has expressed interest in re-entering the Indian market, indicating potential future expansions.
As Delta Air Lines prepares to launch these ten new ultra-long routes, it is clear that the airline is not only focusing on extending its global network but also on enhancing passenger experience with improved connectivity to major international cities.
