Published on
September 17, 2025
Delta Air Lines plans to revolutionize Mediterranean travel from the summer of 2026 with the addition of world-first nonstop flights from New York-JFK to the Islands of Sardinia (Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport) and Malta (Malta International Airport). This is the airline’s first-ever nonstop flights from New York to the two islands.
The addition of Malta and Sardinia to Delta’s transatlantic network means that travelers will have the chance to visit the islands and enjoy their culture, beautiful coastlines, and many historical landmarks all through direct flights. Delta is actively seeking ways to enhance travel for its passengers. This engagement followed a community-rooted process and a popular vote for the proposed destination, which Delta’s employees suggested.
Engaging Passengers in Informed Decision-Making
Members from Delta’s SkyMiles community and other employees were challenged to decide and vote for the next European destination the airline would be flying to as part of a “Route Race”. In the members’ vote, Sardinia was selected as the most attractive destination owing to its cultural and natural endowments, while the employees voted for Malta. Delta Air Lines, rather than choosing one of the two proposed additions, decided to serve both islands, as voted. This decision reinforces the airline’s focus on customer engagement and inclusion.
The classic Mediterranean lifestyle, history, and scenic beauty are readily available for travelers with the expansion of Delta’s existing flights to the region.
Unveiling the Beauty of Sardinia: A Mediterranean Jewel
One of the beautiful islands in Italy, Sardinia, attracts attention for its crystal blue water, rugged cliffs, and untouched beaches. Delta now offers flights to the island, which is culturally rich and active, allowing for quick travel to the Mediterranean island. This is because Sardinia is one of the 5 Blue Zones in the world, and the rest of the world is looking to emulate their active lifestyles and rich cuisine.
Sardinia is the ultimate peaceful getaway, with its cultural and inner self-revealing active lifestyle available to everyone, including families, solo adventurers, and luxury tourists. Its cuisine is to die for as it offers handmade pasta and Cannonau wines. Hiking and close vicinity to the coast, while enjoying ancient civilizations with archaeological sights, adds to the charm and its warm hospitality.
Malta: A Mix of A Historical and A Modernized World
Malta is another beautiful island located in the Mediterranean, rich with old archaeological sites, which is another target Delta Airlines is looking to market. Delta’s new direct flights for business purposes are the first scheduled US connection.
With its thriving history, UNESCO-ancient cities, and colorful events, the island offers an unrivaled experience to its travelers and guides. This route is also focused on Malta as an economic connection for the USA, strengthening their partnerships, along with boosting the target audience for international tourists.
Flights and Travel Experience
Flights to Sardinia will start on May 20, 2026, and will have four departures a week, while service to Malta will begin on June 7, 2026, with three flights a week. Both routes will be operated with Delta’s Boeing 767-300ER aircraft, which will maintain a comfortable and premium onboard experience.
Passengers will experience one of four cabin options: Delta One, Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort, and Main Cabin. Delta One passengers can relax on a lie-flat seat and enjoy meals prepared by the chef, numerous luxurious amenities, and premium drinks like Taittinger Champagne. Delta Studio entertainment, Delta Sync Wi-Fi offered free on select tiers of membership, and regionally inspired meals all add to the travel experience, complimentary to all cabins. Travelers Premium on Delta leaving New York enjoy the Delta One Lounge where they can savor gourmet food, premium drinks, and relax in a calm atmosphere pre and post-flight.
Improving Delta’s European Network
Delta serves a wide range of locations in Italy with extensive services, which include Rome, Milan, Venice, Naples, and Catania, making Delta the leading US carrier in Italy. Adding flights to Malta and Sardinia, Delta adds more transatlantic routes to New York, expanding its connectivity to Mediterranean countries and reinforcing its position as a carrier between Europe and the US. The Sardinia-Malta airfare served by Delta Airline adds value to travelers by easing the underlying burden of connecting flights. Delta Airline also introduces cultural immersion by connecting Americans to their friends across the ocean. This trip offers travelers a taste of the Mediterranean lifestyle with added bonuses of a tranquil approach in summer and winter, and the ancient Blue Zone culture. The strategic addition of request-driven flights to the Delta network serves to highlight the brand’s versatility and openness to new opportunities. Delta Airlines beams with pride at cultivating a scope of routes that connect three active continents with ease and fluid transitions.
Official Remarks on the Routes
The ability to fly nonstop has emboldened Delta’s ability to reach travelers in New York and beyond. Travel to the ancient blue zone is richer with a stop at the colossal city of Malta. Delta Airlines beacons offer panoramic views with mountains, blue waters, and Mediterranean culture infused in the natives. Culinary excellence and cultural brilliance have been gelled to create an unforgettable package for travelers.
Delta continues to enhance customer-driven network expansion. Delta Airlines is dedicated to providing a better travel experience to and from the European continent. Each traveler will find comfort, elegance, and ease in the newly added routes to the Delta network.
