Delta Air Lines is set to significantly boost capacity on its Melbourne–Los Angeles route, moving to daily flights over the 2026–27 peak summer period in response to strong transpacific demand. This upgrade will give Victorian travelers more choices and flexibility for holidays and business trips to the United States while reinforcing competition on one of Australia’s vital long-haul corridors.

More Flights Between Melbourne and LA

Currently, Delta operates three weekly services year-round between Melbourne (MEL) and Los Angeles (LAX), but will gradually add more flights starting from October 2026. From October 13, 2026, the airline will increase services from three to four flights per week, then to five weekly flights from October 27, 2026.

A significant milestone will occur on December 22, 2026, when Delta will start daily operations through to March 2027, covering both the southern summer and the busy northern winter holiday travel window. After the peak period, the route is expected to revert to three-times-weekly services, ensuring year-round connectivity while adapting to seasonal demand.

Flight Numbers and Schedule Details

The incremental increases will apply on both flights DL012 (Melbourne–Los Angeles) and DL011 (Los Angeles–Melbourne). Under the revised schedule, the Melbourne–Los Angeles leg will operate four times weekly (Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday) by mid-October, expanding to five weekly services (Tuesday through Friday and Sunday) by late October.

The Los Angeles–Melbourne return flights will mirror these changes, increasing from three to four and then five services per week, before moving to daily operations during the peak window from December 22, 2026, to March 2027. Delta has not announced any changes in aircraft type or cabin configuration for the expanded schedule, ensuring a consistent onboard product as the frequency increases.

Delta’s Growing Footprint in Australia

Delta’s Melbourne–LAX route debuted in December 2025, marking a significant move in the carrier’s renewed focus on the Australian and South Pacific markets. This service complements existing flights from Los Angeles to Sydney and other regional destinations, connecting to Delta’s major hub at LAX with extensive onward connections throughout the United States.

For Melbourne and Victoria, moving to daily flights highlights the increasing demand for premium leisure travel between Australia and North America, adding more competition alongside Qantas and United in the transpacific segment. More flight frequencies will provide travelers with greater fare availability, more travel date options, and smoother connections to U.S. cities through Delta’s Los Angeles hub.

What It Means for Travelers

For leisure travelers, the daily schedule between Melbourne and Los Angeles over the peak summer period simplifies planning for U.S. holidays, family visits, and West Coast city breaks at one of the year’s busiest times. Corporate travelers and frequent flyers will also benefit from increased flexibility with more departure choices throughout the week and enhanced alignment with meetings, conferences, and connecting flights in North America.

As Delta grows its presence down under, the expanded Melbourne–LAX operation is set to become an essential transpacific link, offering stable service, competitive pricing, and a solid alternative to existing carriers on this route. For Victorians planning trips to the USA from late 2026 into early 2027, daily Delta flights will make crossing the Pacific more convenient than ever.