Originally Posted by
ProfRB
More generally, I wonder if readers can shed any light on Delta's pitiful coverage of SE Asia generally. Is demand weak despite the growing economic clout of the region? Are local carriers too dominant to dislodge? Is Delta unable to compete on price and/or service? A quick glance at Delta's worldwide route map shows strong coverage nearly every where except the part of the world where I would anticipate the most growth over the next several decades.
The yields just aren't there for much of SE Asia where it tends to be a lot of leisure/family traffic. Throw in the flight length, local carriers, low visibility in the local markets and weaker partners than UA/AA have, and there is your answer.