Delta Air Lines to Double its Nightly Flight Between Atlanta and Santiago Following Visa Waiver Continuation
The airline is responding to the confirmation that Chilean citizens will remain visa-exempt for U.S. travel with a second daily service during the high season.
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Delta Air Lines will increase its service to Chile with a second daily, overnight flight between its main hub in Atlanta (ATL) and Santiago (SCL) during the upcoming peak season, in a direct response to the confirmation of the country's continued participation in the United States Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
The move provides certainty for travelers and strengthens the strategic position of the Chilean market within the Joint Venture that Delta maintains with LATAM Airlines.
The continuation of Chile in the VWP is a critical factor for the flow of passengers between the two nations. This program allows Chilean citizens to enter the United States for tourism or business for up to 90 days with only an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), a simpler and more affordable process than a traditional visa application.
In statements to the specialized press, Jessica Wolf, Delta's Sales Manager for the Southern Cone, commented on the relief this news brings to the market. Wolf explained that "passengers were a bit apprehensive about the Visa Waiver" and reaffirmed that, following the confirmation by the U.S. government, the second flight from Atlanta to Santiago de Chile "will be operated between December and January, like last year, with the difference that this year it will be a night flight, just like the regular flight."
What is the Visa Waiver Program (VWP)? It is a U.S. government program that allows citizens of participating countries, such as Chile, to enter for tourism or business for up to 90 days without a visa, requiring only an ESTA authorization.
What did Delta announce? It will add a second daily flight on the Atlanta (ATL) - Santiago (SCL) route between December 2025 and January 2026.
What will the new flight be like? It will be an overnight service, just like the existing regular flight (DL147), expected to be operated by Airbus A350-900 aircraft.
This capacity increase is not an isolated event. It is part of the successful commercial alliance between Delta and LATAM, which, according to data from the airlines, has led to a 68% increase in the North American carrier's capacity in South America. Notably, Chile accounts for 30% of that growth, highlighting its role as a key market.
The situation in Chile contrasts with that of other countries in the region. Recently, the government of Argentina formally requested to join the VWP on July 28, 2025. However, U.S. officials clarified that the evaluation process is rigorous, has no set timeline, and could take a considerable amount of time. Therefore, for now, Argentinian citizens still require a visa to travel to the United States.
By doubling its nightly service, Delta Air Lines not only meets seasonal demand but also capitalizes on the competitive advantage offered by the stability of the VWP in Chile, solidifying the Atlanta-Santiago corridor as one of the most robust routes in its inter-American network.
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