Delta Launches Salt Lake Citys First Nonstop Flight to South America

Delta Air Lines is set to make history by launching Salt Lake City International Airport’s (SLC) inaugural nonstop flight to South America. Starting December 4, travelers will have the opportunity to fly daily from Salt Lake City to Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) in Lima, Peru, aboard a Boeing 767-300ER.

This new route not only opens doors for travelers eager to explore Peru’s breathtaking attractions, including the iconic Machu Picchu and the lush Amazon rainforest, but it also enhances connectivity for visitors heading to Utah’s stunning mountains and national parks.

The launch of the Salt Lake City-Lima route is particularly significant as it strengthens Delta’s partnership with LATAM, the largest airline in South America. Lima serves as LATAM’s second-largest hub, while Salt Lake City ranks as Delta’s fourth-largest hub. This strategic connection will provide travelers with numerous one-stop options, facilitating journeys from Lima to cities like Boise or from Salt Lake City to Córdoba, Argentina.

Interestingly, Delta’s decision to introduce this nonstop service from Salt Lake City—rather than from its larger hubs such as Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) or Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP)—highlights the rapid growth of Salt Lake City as a key player in Delta’s network. Currently, Delta operates another nonstop route to Lima exclusively from its megahub at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL).

“This new route is a significant milestone for Delta and our customers in Salt Lake City and throughout the Mountain West,” said Paul Baldoni, Delta’s senior vice president of network planning. “With this expanded connectivity through our Salt Lake City hub, we’re proud to offer a faster, more convenient way to reach Lima and other major cities across South America.”

According to Salt Lake City airport officials, the new route is expected to create 30 additional one-stop destinations in South America for local travelers.

Since the inception of their partnership in 2022, Delta and LATAM have been working closely to coordinate routes, schedules, and airfares, allowing them to jointly sell tickets for flights. Since then, they have introduced seven new routes connecting the U.S. and South America. These routes include flights from Orlando International Airport (MCO) to El Dorado International Airport (BOG) in Bogotá, Colombia, and Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) in Santiago, Chile, as well as from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to São Paulo’s Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) and from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Galeão International Airport (GIG) in Rio de Janeiro.

The introduction of this long-haul route also coincides with the recent expansion of Salt Lake City’s airport, which opened a new terminal aimed at supporting Delta’s growth in the region. Earlier this year, Delta launched the airport’s only nonstop service to Asia, offering daily flights to Incheon International Airport (ICN) in Seoul, South Korea.

Travelers looking to explore South America now have more options than ever, and Delta’s new route from Salt Lake City to Lima marks an exciting development in the airline’s offerings. Whether you’re planning a trek through the Andes or a visit to Utah’s breathtaking landscapes, this route promises to enhance travel experiences for both locals and visitors alike.