Delta eyes return of Los Angeles-London route by 2029

Delta Air Lines is weighing a return to the Los Angeles-London Heathrow market, with a restart targeted by 2029, according to the carrier. Joe Esposito, the airline's Chief Commercial Officer, said Delta hopes to bring the route back after exiting it in 2024.

Delta says there is interest in having the service running in time for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, though the airline views 2029 as the more realistic target.

No firm date, aircraft assignment, or schedule has been announced. Delta previously flew the nonstop link between Los Angeles International Airport and London Heathrow before ending it in 2024; the reasons for that earlier withdrawal were not detailed in the available comments.

The route between the two cities has historically drawn competition from multiple carriers offering nonstop and connecting options. A Delta return would restore direct competition on that specific pairing. Esposito's remarks suggest the plan is still at an early, exploratory stage rather than a confirmed commitment with a locked launch date.

Delta has not said which aircraft type might fly the route or how often it would operate. Nor has it said whether the restart depends on demand recovery, aircraft availability, or broader network planning tied to its transatlantic joint venture partnerships.

Further announcements on scheduling and booking availability are expected closer to launch. No timeline for such updates was given.