Delta Requests Delay in Resuming Four Daily Flights to China Amid Market Challenges

Delta Air Lines (DAL.N) has formally requested the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to approve a delay in resuming four daily flights to China, citing ongoing market challenges. Currently, Delta operates daily flights from Seattle and Detroit to Shanghai, but the airline is seeking permission to postpone reinstating two additional daily flights to Shanghai and two daily flights to Beijing.

The request reflects the complexities airlines continue to face in the China market, including fluctuating demand and regulatory challenges. Delta’s move comes shortly after United Airlines (UAL.O) also asked the DOT for approval to suspend 6 of its 9 daily flights to China.

As international air travel gradually rebounds, airlines are navigating evolving restrictions and market conditions, particularly in regions like China, where travel demand has been slower to recover. Delta’s decision to delay flight resumption aims to adapt to these conditions while ensuring operational efficiency.

If approved, Delta will maintain its current limited service to China while delaying the return of additional routes, which were originally planned for resumption. This highlights the broader challenges facing U.S. carriers as they balance demand and capacity in global markets still affected by post-pandemic recovery.