Delta Air Lines is expanding its Asia-Pacific network from Minneapolis–Saint Paul (MSP) with a new non-stop route to Shanghai (PVG) set to begin in 2020. This will be the first-ever direct flight between the Minnesota airport and China, marking a significant milestone for international connectivity from the Twin Cities.
Delta plans to operate the route using its new Airbus A350-900, though the carrier has not yet announced the exact frequency or schedule. The A350-900 is designed for long-haul comfort and efficiency, making it well suited to transpacific operations.
“In addition to our Twin Cities customers, this new route will benefit travelers across the US with more competition and options for service to Shanghai thanks to our connecting hub at Minneapolis–St Paul International Airport,” said Ed Bastian, CEO of Delta.
The Shanghai service will complement other recent additions to Delta’s MSP network. Earlier, the airline announced a new non-stop link between MSP and Seoul that begins next April. Delta already operates a route from Minneapolis–Saint Paul to Tokyo Haneda (HND), which until now has been the hub’s sole direct connection to Asia.
Local airport officials welcomed the announcement. “Shanghai is the largest Asian market without direct service from Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport,” said Brian Ryks, executive director and CEO of the Metropolitan Airports Commission. “Direct service to China would be a tremendous benefit to the Minnesota business and hospitality communities.”
The new Shanghai route is expected to strengthen business ties, tourism, and cultural exchange between Minnesota and one of the world’s largest metropolitan economies. For passengers across the region, added non-stop capacity will provide more competitive options for travel to China and improved connectivity through MSP’s hub.
Delta’s continued expansion in the Asia-Pacific reflects broader trends in long-haul aviation, where carriers deploy modern, fuel-efficient widebodies like the A350 to launch new point-to-point services and link secondary hubs to major international markets. Travelers and local stakeholders will be watching for further details on flight frequencies and the ticketing timeline as Delta finalizes its schedule.