< Reveal sidebar

Delta Adding Flights to Taiwan After Seven-Year Hiatus

The Atlanta-based airline is expanding its transpacific network from Seattle.

Delta’s first A330neo at the airline’s TechOps hangar. (Photo: Delta)

For the first time in seven years, Delta will return to Taiwan. On Thursday, the Atlanta-based carrier announced a new route from its Seattle (SEA) hub to Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE). The route is set to begin on June 6, 2024, operated by an Airbus A330-900neo.

The airline previously served Taipei up until May 2017, according to Cirium Diio data. At the time, TPE joined a handful of other Asian destinations that the carrier served from Tokyo Narita (NRT).

“As APAC demand returns, we are excited to launch our seventh non-stop international market in the Pacific, solidifying our commitment to robust and consistent growth in the region,” said Jeff Moomaw, Vice President of APAC said in a press release.

“This strategic addition underscores Delta’s dedication to expanding our network and offering customers seamless connectivity,” he added.

According to the airline, the new route will be a year-round daily service and is subject to government approval. Delta will compete directly with EVA Air on the SEA-TPE route, which uses a Boeing 787-10. It joins the carrier’s other transpacific markets from Seattle, including Incheon (ICN), Tokyo (HND), and Shanghai (PVG).

Dominance in Seattle

Delta’s new route announcement comes on the heels of Sunday’s news of Alaska Air Group’s acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines. For several years, Delta and Alaska have been fighting it out for market dominance in Seattle with both airlines maintaining hubs at the airport.

In a press release announcing the new route, Delta again asserted its strong presence in Seattle. “Delta is marking its 90th anniversary in Seattle this December, a history that dates back to the start of operations by Northwest Airways (later Northwest Airlines) in 1933,” the airline shared.

In July 2024, Alaska has over 22,000 flights scheduled in Seattle, while Delta is the airport’s second-largest operator with over 10,000 scheduled flights, according to Cirium Diio data.

Ryan Ewing
Follow Ryan

Author

  • Ryan Ewing

    Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.

    View all posts

Subscribe to AirlineGeeks' Daily Check-In

Receive a daily dose of the airline industry's top stories along with market insights right in your inbox.

Related Stories

Delta Adds Two Long-Haul Routes

Delta is once again expanding its long-haul network with a new international route. Slated to start in May 2025, the…

Malaysia Airlines Expands Its Route Network Again

Malaysia Airlines plans to expand its Indian network by adding flight operation to Kolkata on December 2, operating five times…

Zipair Adds New U.S. Route

On Thursday, Japan’s Zipair announced plans to expand its long-haul network with a new route between Tokyo Narita and Houston’s…