Delta Restarts Flights to this Asian Country After 6-Year Hiatus

SEOUL- Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines (DL) has resumed direct service between Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) and Incheon International Airport (ICN), marking its official return to South Korea after a six-year pause.

This relaunch coincides with Delta’s 100th anniversary and positions the airline to better serve Korean passengers while expanding its reach across the U.S. via its Salt Lake City hub.

Delta Air Lines Airbus A350 | Photo: Airbus

Delta Restarts Salt Lake City to Seoul Flight

The newly launched Salt Lake City–Seoul route reflects Delta’s broader strategic efforts to reinforce its trans-Pacific network.

Operated in partnership with Korean Air (KE), this new service gives Korean travelers access to 35 U.S. cities through SLC, with efficient international-to-domestic connections averaging just 55 minutes, comparable to transfer times at Incheon.

Jeff Moomaw, Delta’s Vice President of Asia Pacific, highlighted the significance of the launch at a press event in Seoul. “This year marks Delta’s 100th anniversary. Introducing a new route to Korea during this milestone makes the occasion even more special,” he said.

Delta and Korean Air have operated a joint venture since 2018, and this collaboration now connects Seoul to 14 destinations across the United States. As a result, Delta has become the largest long-haul foreign carrier at Incheon International Airport (ICN).

Delta emphasized its commitment to deepening ties with Korean Air, describing the alliance as the leading trans-Pacific joint venture. Joint efforts include co-developed digital platforms and streamlined booking systems, allowing passengers to use either airline’s mobile app for reservations and check-in across both networks.

Moomaw explained, “Together, we’ve made joint investments in digital solutions and customer experience improvements to deliver top-tier service.” The integrated experience aims to provide travelers with a seamless journey, from booking to arrival.

Photo: Salt Lake City

Addressing Market Dynamics

Regarding recent investor activity involving Hanjin KAL—the parent of Korean Air—Delta downplayed speculation about management instability.

Hoban Construction recently acquired an 18.46% stake in Hanjin KAL, prompting speculation of a control dispute. However, Delta views the investment as non-disruptive.

“I have good trust in Walter Cho (Korean Air Chairman),” Moomaw stated. “We view Hoban’s stake increase as a simple investment.” In response to the move, Hanjin transferred treasury shares to its employee welfare fund, increasing Cho’s stake to 20.79% and maintaining a lead over Hoban.

Delta itself holds a 14.9% stake in Hanjin KAL, underscoring its vested interest in the long-term stability of Korean Air.

Delta also reaffirmed its strong support for the proposed merger between Korean Air and Asiana Airlines, viewing it as an opportunity to align flights with market demand and improve service quality.

“We are very excited about the acquisition,” Moomaw said. “Our priority remains aligning the right flights with the right markets to provide the best possible service to our passengers.”

Photo: Clément Alloing

New Summer 2025 Routes to Europe

Delta Air Lines launched its most extensive transatlantic summer schedule to date, introducing new direct flights from major U.S. hubs including New York (JFK), Atlanta (ATL), Boston (BOS), Minneapolis–St. Paul (MSP) and Detroit (DTW).

With expanded service to Europe, Delta becomes the largest U.S. carrier to destinations such as Italy, France, Greece, and Denmark, and the only U.S. airline flying nonstop to Prague (PRG) this season.

Delta Air Lines (DL) is not only adding capacity but also infusing its network expansion with vibrant, culture-rich celebrations.

The airline has ramped up operations to key European cities, reinforcing its leadership in transatlantic travel and spotlighting Italy as a central focus. Service to Italy has increased by over 10% year-over-year, solidifying Delta as the top U.S. carrier in the Italian market.

Each new route launch was marked by festive events at departure gates, highlighting the cultural identity of the destination.

• Boston (BOS) to Barcelona (BCN): Logan Airport’s Terminal E hosted flamenco dancers and Spanish guitarists, bringing the vibrant streets of Barcelona to life. Travelers were welcomed with mocktails and a Spanish-themed send-off.
• Boston (BOS) to Milan (MXP): The Milan-bound flight was celebrated with live opera performances and elegant Italian refreshments, offering a taste of Italy’s fashion capital before departure.
• New York (JFK) to Catania (CTA): Delta’s first-ever direct route to Catania, Sicily, took off with a celebration featuring Sicilian desserts, a cannoli-inspired cake, and live regional music, channeling the spirit of Mount Etna and the Mediterranean coast.
• Minneapolis–St. Paul (MSP) to Copenhagen (CPH): A ribbon-cutting ceremony with Delta executives and local officials marked this inaugural flight, accompanied by Scandinavian music and speeches recognizing the growing U.S.-Nordic connection.

Additional Routes Across Europe

Delta’s summer schedule includes several other key route launches that expand access across Europe:

• Detroit (DTW) to Dublin, Ireland (DUB) – Connecting the Midwest to Ireland with direct service.
• Atlanta (ATL) to Naples, Italy (NAP) – Enhancing access to Italy’s southern coast.
• Minneapolis–St. Paul (MSP) to Rome, Italy (FCO) – Adding another gateway to the Italian capital.
• Atlanta (ATL) to Brussels, Belgium (BRU) – Service launched June 10, linking Georgia with Belgium’s capital.

Delta’s move solidifies its role as a major player in U.S.-Europe air travel for summer 2025. With culturally rich celebrations and robust route offerings, the airline gives passengers enhanced opportunities to experience Europe directly from the U.S.

Delta’s Strategic Focus on European Growth

This network growth is part of Delta’s long-term strategy to capture demand for transatlantic travel, especially during peak summer months.

By leveraging its U.S. hubs and aligning route launches with local festivities, Delta strengthens its brand presence and customer loyalty across major European markets.

Italy, in particular, continues to be a priority, with Delta leading as the primary U.S. airline flying to multiple Italian cities. Enhanced connectivity, experiential send-offs, and diversified European access position Delta to compete aggressively with other global carriers on transatlantic routes.

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