News
Delta joins AA and United asking for temporary waiver extension for U.S.-China allocations
February 23rd 2026
Delta Air Lines has asked the U.S. Department of Transportation (DoT) to extend the temporary waiver to retain 25 of the 42 frequencies it holds for flights between the U.S. and Mainland China that it does not intend to use during the northern hemisphere summer scheduling season from March to October this year. Read More » Currently, the Skyteam alliance member operates 17 return services a week between China and the U.S. - daily flights from Detroit and Seattle to Shanghai Pudong, as well as three flights a week on the Los Angeles-Pudong route, which is increasing to five flights a week in early October. "There is good cause, and it is in the public interest, to grant Delta’s request for a dormancy waiver," Delta said in its submission to the DoT. Delta said there were ongoing challenges in the China market. "Given these challenges, further extensions of dormancy waivers may be necessary in the future," Delta said. "Delta will reassess in the coming months and, if necessary, request further relief from the department when appropriate." Delta joins American Airlines and United Airlines in requesting extensions of temporary waivers from the DoT on U.S.-China slots.
