As the northern aviation winter season approaches, Delta Air Lines is set to expand its long-haul offerings, introducing significant routes that will operate between October 26, 2023, and March 28, 2024. According to data from Cirium Diio, Delta is poised to rank fifth globally in long-haul services during this period, trailing only behind major carriers such as Emirates, United Airlines, Qatar Airways, and British Airways.
While Delta’s overall flight operations are extensive, only one in 25 of its flights will be long-haul. Nevertheless, the airline’s long-haul services will increase by over 3% year-on-year, reaching their highest levels since before the pandemic. The upcoming winter schedule will see a notable rise of more than 20% compared to the winter of 2019/2020.
Delta’s Ten Longest Flights
Among the highlighted routes, the flight from Los Angeles to Melbourne will be the longest, with a scheduled block time of up to 16 hours and 5 minutes. This route is significant as it will commence on December 3, 2023, coinciding with the peak summer season in Australia and the Christmas holiday. It marks the first time Delta will operate this route, competing against Qantas and United Airlines, and filling a gap left since Virgin Australia exited the market in 2020.
Another key route is the service from Los Angeles to Shanghai Pudong, which Delta resumed on June 1, 2025, after a hiatus due to the pandemic. This route connects to one of the busiest airports in the world, where Delta will compete with China Eastern and United Airlines.
The following is a list of Delta’s ten longest flights for the upcoming winter:
– **Johannesburg to Atlanta**: 17 hours, five times weekly, A350-900, 275-seat configuration
– **Cape Town to Atlanta**: 16 hours 30 minutes, five times weekly, A350-900, 275-seat configuration
– **Detroit to Shanghai Pudong**: 16 hours 15 minutes, daily, A350-900, 306-seat configuration
– **Atlanta to Seoul Incheon**: 16 hours 5 minutes, twice daily, A350-900, 275-seat configuration
– **Los Angeles to Melbourne**: 16 hours 5 minutes, three times weekly, A350-900, 275-seat configuration
– **Los Angeles to Sydney**: 15 hours 15 minutes, up to eleven times weekly, A350-900, 275-seat configuration
– **Los Angeles to Brisbane**: 14 hours 45 minutes, three times weekly, A350-900, 275-seat configuration
– **Atlanta to Tokyo Haneda**: 14 hours 35 minutes, daily, A350-900, 306-seat configuration
– **Minneapolis to Seoul Incheon**: 14 hours 20 minutes, daily, A350-900, 275-seat/306-seat configurations
– **Los Angeles to Shanghai Pudong**: 14 hours 10 minutes, three times weekly, A350-900, 275-seat configuration
Utilization of the A350-900
All of these routes will utilize the A350-900 aircraft, of which Delta currently operates 38. These aircraft are configured in three distinct layouts, accommodating 275, 306, and 339 seats. Notably, the 339-seat configuration, which is not included in the current list, is being phased out with the last flight scheduled for October 25, 2023.
The A350-900s offer a lighter, more fuel-efficient option, particularly beneficial for long-haul operations. The 275-seat high-premium version allows for a more comfortable passenger experience and improved operational efficiency. The aircraft’s maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of 283 tons enhances its capacity to handle challenging routes, particularly from high-altitude airports like Johannesburg.
Historically, Delta has operated several very long flights, including the route from Atlanta to Mumbai, which was the airline’s longest nonstop flight from 2008 to 2009. Other notable long-haul services included flights to Hong Kong and Dubai. With the anticipated arrival of its A350-1000s, Delta is expected to reintroduce services to India in the near future, further expanding its long-haul network.
As Delta prepares for this winter season, passengers can expect increased connectivity and options for international travel, solidifying the airline’s position as a significant player in the long-haul flight market.
