Delta expands international routes with new flights connecting US-Europe-Asia

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Delta expands international routes with new flights connecting US-Europe-Asia

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Nick Ewen Senior editorial director | The Points Guy

By Sky Industry News

Oct 11, 2024

Delta Air Lines is set to expand its international reach in 2025 with the introduction of two new routes, enhancing connections between the United States and both Europe and Asia. The airline will launch a nonstop service from Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) to Copenhagen Airport (CPH) in Denmark. This move aligns with Delta's recent codeshare agreement with Scandinavian Airlines (SAS), which transitioned from the Star Alliance to SkyTeam.

Joe Esposito, Delta's senior vice president of network planning, emphasized the significance of this development: "This route creates an invaluable connection between two major SkyTeam partner hubs, providing unrivaled connectivity and travel options for customers traveling between Scandinavia and North America."

The MSP to CPH route will commence in May 2025, operating three times weekly using an Airbus A330-300 aircraft equipped with Delta One suites and Premium Select cabins. This addition is part of Delta's extensive summer schedule for Europe next year, where it plans to increase seat capacity by approximately 5% compared to 2024.

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In addition to expanding European services, Delta will also resume its Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) route next summer. This marks a return after a hiatus since early 2020 due to the pandemic. The resumption is pending government approval and reflects a broader trend among U.S. airlines increasing their service to China as demand recovers.

Delta plans to operate this LAX-PVG route three times weekly using an Airbus A350 aircraft. Passengers flying Delta One on this route will have access to the newly opened Delta One Lounge at LAX Terminal 3.

The overall air service between the U.S. and China remains below pre-pandemic levels due to geopolitical tensions and logistical challenges related to avoiding Russian airspace amid ongoing conflicts. However, there is optimism for growth in 2025, with seat availability expected to rise significantly compared to previous years.