The West Coast has long been a quiet hub for Delta Air Lines and strategic, but is often overshadowed by airline control in Atlanta and New York. But now that’s starting to change.
With new international routes launched in 2026, including the return of non-stop services from Los Angeles and Seattle to Hong Kong, new links to Rome and Barcelona, and the New Delta One Lounge on the West Coast, the Delta has doubled long-haul flights and placed the western hub as the main global connector.
Here’s what you need to know about the growth of Delta’s international footprint:
New Delta route from Seattle to Europe
From Seattle, the Delta will debut flights to Rome and Barcelona in May 2026. Services to Italy’s Rome Fium Si No Leonardo Da Vinci Airport (FCO) begin on May 6th, with Spain’s Joceptara de la Barcelona El Prat (BCN) starting on May 7th. The route ends in October every season. Both will be operated using Airbus A330-900Neo aircraft. The Airbus A330-900NEO aircraft consists of 281 seats, including 29 Delta One Suites, 28 Premium Select Seats and 224 Economy Seats.
The new European route also strengthens competition from Seattle, where Alaska Airlines recently announced its own non-stop service to Rome. The Delta expansion is in parallel with wider investments at Seattle Airport. On June 24, 2025, Delta opened its fourth Delta One Lounge (after JFK in Boston, Los Angeles and New York). This is a 24,000-square-foot hideaway exclusively for business-class travelers. The terrace and views of Mount Rainier on a sunny day. The Delta One Lounge is located above the new Sky Club (marking the company’s 53rd Sky Club’s front post base), offering a self-service food island, premium bars and shower suites. Both spaces are located in the airport concourse.
Why visit Rome in 2026?
Rome, who created a list of top AFAR locations in 2024, is still spending a bit of time. Next year marks the culmination of Jubilee’s Year celebrations, and until January, the city will continue to host pilgrimage events, public art installations and extended museum programming. One of the most exciting announcements of 2026 is undoubtedly the Grottino Del Campidoglio, a vast network of ancient tunnels hidden under the Capitlin hills, which have been closed for over a century and are open to the end of the year, with interpreter displays and guided tours. When visiting, travelers can choose attractive new luxury hotels such as the Bulgari Hotel Rome, Sixth Sense Rome, Roman edition, and Palazzo of Talia (one of Afar’s best new hotels of 2025). As of this spring, La Dolce Vita Orient Express is transporting passengers back in time as they travel across several parts of the country, including Rome, over a two- and three-day itinerary. Laminerva, the first hotel of hospitality group Orient Express, has also opened in Rome.
Why visit Barcelona in 2026?
More than 140 years after construction began, it is expected that Barcelona’s famous Sagrada Familia Basilica will eventually be completed in 2026, by Catalan mastermind and architect Antoni Gaudi. Next year will be 100 years since Gaudi’s death. The monumental event coincides with UNESCO’s designation of Barcelona as the capital of world capital architecture in 2026. Meanwhile, Gaudi and other well-known architects and designers will be highlighted and celebrated in special exhibitions, installations and tours. As you explore the city, check out one of several new hotels, including the charming new Waterfront SLS Barcelona and Volneta, a 92-room boutique property of lifestyle brand Miiro, located in the artistic El-born neighborhood of Barcelona. As Barcelona will host its first ritual and competitive French start in early July, cycling fans may want to consider a summer trip to Seaside City, Spain.
Delta has returned to Hong Kong from Los Angeles
Delta Air Lines has been set up to restart year-round non-stop services between Los Angeles and Hong Kong (HKG) from June 6, 2026, and operates daily on the Airbus A350-900. Delta’s flagship aircraft for long-distance services consists of 40 Delta First Suites, 40 Delta Premium Select Recliner, 36 comfort and out-of-league room seats, and 159 economy seats.
With the move to LA, the airline will return to one of the Pacific’s most competitive and strategically important markets (which will serve as a key gateway to Asia and the Pacific. Delta currently plays head-to-head with Cathay Pacific and United, both operating on the route. Delta has cut its services due to soft demand after its last flight to Hong Kong in 2018.
Why you’ll visit Hong Kong in 2026?
After years of pandemic-related disruption and changing visitor patterns, Hong Kong has re-emerged as a sought-after destination following a wave of new developments. Kaitak Sports Park, a mega complex with a 50,000-seat stadium, restaurants and shops, opened earlier this year and has already hosted major rugby tournaments such as the Hong Kong Sevens. When it comes to art, the West Kourun Cultural Area It has become a must-see hub as new institutions such as the M+ Museum and the Hong Kong Palace Museum (which opened in 2021 and 2022 respectively) continue to host major exhibitions. Regent Hong Kong, a beloved hotel with views of Victoria Harbour, has recently reopened after a major renovation, but new products, including the Hopewell Hotel and Dorsett Kaitaku, have begun to welcome guests within the last year.
