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Delta Air Lines is expanding its transpacific network once again, announcing the return of nonstop service between Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and Tokyo Narita International Airport (NRT) beginning March 28, 2027. The route marks Delta’s return to Tokyo Narita International Airport (NRT) after a seven-year absence. The airline previously ended operations at the airport as it shifted its strategy toward Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND), which is closer to downtown Tokyo and has become the preferred airport for many business and leisure travelers.
The new flight will operate daily using the Airbus A330-900neo and add another Asia destination from Delta’s growing Seattle hub. With the launch of the new service, Delta’s Seattle-based transpacific network will include nonstop flights to:
- Seoul Incheon International Airport (ICN)
- Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
- Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE)
- Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND)
- Tokyo Narita International Airport (NRT)
The addition also gives Delta service to both of Tokyo’s international airports from Seattle.
The move comes as Delta continues investing heavily in its Pacific network, with recent announcements including new routes to Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) and Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) out of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The airline has repeatedly signaled its intention to strengthen its position across Asia as international demand continues to recover.
The market is already competitive. Delta will face service from Alaska Airlines and Japan Airlines at Tokyo Narita International Airport (NRT) while All Nippon Airways operates flights between Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND).
Unlike some of its U.S. competitors, Delta does not operate a connecting hub at Tokyo Narita International Airport (NRT). Instead, much of the airline’s Asian network is built around its joint venture with Korean Air through Seoul Incheon International Airport (ICN). This makes the decision to return to Narita an interesting strategic shift.
Although Delta has not detailed the reasoning behind the route, the additional service increases capacity between the Pacific Northwest and Japan while giving travelers another nonstop option to the Tokyo metropolitan area.
Anthony’s Take: The route also underscores Seattle’s growing importance within Delta’s international network as the airline continues expanding long-haul service from its West Coast gateway.
(Featured Image Credit: Delta Air Lines.)
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