Not likely. The main reason DL got that PDX nod was their unique destination request. DOT prioritizes number of destination than increased frequencies. You have to know how DOT has historically awarded this slot award (now no longer limited to late evening slot), and how it determined its award winners. If DOT has allowed DL to flex, the destination award becomes meaningless, and unfair to all bidders. Delta should stop whining and resume these flights or allow others to take the route away, likely giving AA the runner-up LAS award (my speculation). Does DL want to give away this slot to its competitor? Not likely.

Tokyo can be served multiple times, without the nod from DOT, just not to HND. NRT can be served without the restrictive slot approval process. Does DL want to do that? Nope.

All of the drama of the HND slot request, awards and flex request is strictly DL trying to win over its competitor. DL is just playing stupid to hoping to gain an advantage, but DOT is staying firm in its original decision. This request rejection was every bit expected.

Jiburi