Delta to Launch LAX-Melbourne Flights in December 2025
Delta Air Lines has announced plans to expand its presence in Australia by introducing a new service from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Melbourne Airport (MEL). Set to begin on December 3, 2025, the route will initially operate three times weekly aboard a 275-seat Airbus A350-900 aircraft. This addition bolsters Delta’s Australian network to three destinations—Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney—each served from LAX.
With this strategic move, Delta aims to strengthen its foothold in the Asia-Pacific region and take advantage of growing travel demand between North America and Australia. According to Melbourne Airport Chief Executive Officer Lorie Argus, the new flights represent a “major win for the state of Victoria,” offering significant benefits to local tourism and the broader economy. Argus explains that the added service will bring “hundreds of extra visitors” each week, supporting the region’s hospitality industry, restaurants, and cultural attractions. It also provides an opportunity to entice more North American travelers to make Melbourne their first stop in Australia.
Beyond bolstering the state’s tourism sector, Delta’s expanded route network will also enable Victoria-based exporters to ship goods directly to North America without relying on connections through Sydney. This direct link is expected to enhance efficiency and reduce transport times, benefiting both small businesses and larger enterprises looking to streamline international logistics.
Competitive Transpacific Route
Data from OAG Schedules Analyser indicates Delta will become the third airline to operate flights on the LAX-MEL route, joining Qantas and United Airlines. Both competing carriers currently run daily flights between the two cities, underscoring the strong demand in this market. In addition to LAX, Melbourne also has U.S. service to Dallas/Fort Worth via Qantas, to Honolulu via Jetstar, and to San Francisco via United. Delta’s arrival on the LAX-MEL scene introduces more choice for travelers, with the potential for competitive fares and enhanced service offerings.
Wider Network Plans
This announcement follows Delta’s earlier decision to begin flights to Brisbane during the Northern Hemisphere’s winter 2024-25 season. As a member of the SkyTeam alliance, Delta’s growth in Australia underscores the airline’s broader commitment to connecting major global hubs and improving passenger convenience. By December 2025, travelers can expect a robust lineup of Delta-operated flights across multiple Australian gateways.
Delta’s expansion plans are not limited to the Pacific market. The airline also confirmed the resumption of daily flights to Tel Aviv from New York John F. Kennedy International Airport starting April 1, 2025. This move comes in the wake of a ceasefire agreement in January following 15 months of conflict in Israel and Gaza. The New York–Tel Aviv route will be serviced by the Airbus A330-900neo, offering nearly 2,000 weekly seats for leisure and business travelers alike.
A Win-Win for Passengers and Cargo
For passengers, Delta’s new Melbourne service marks another step forward in restoring global connectivity disrupted by recent worldwide events. Travelers looking to visit Australia’s vibrant cultural capital or catch connecting domestic flights to the Great Ocean Road, Tasmania, or other Aussie highlights will have more options and flight frequencies at their disposal. Moreover, the A350-900’s modern cabin design, improved fuel efficiency, and passenger-friendly features promise a comfortable journey.
Meanwhile, cargo shippers in the Victoria region will benefit from direct access to Delta’s freight network, enabling faster, more reliable deliveries to North America. As tourism and commerce between the two continents continue to rebound, Delta’s expansion reflects an optimistic outlook for international travel. By offering new routes and restoring popular services, the airline is positioning itself to meet the anticipated surge in transpacific demand and further enhance connectivity on the global stage.
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