Delta Air Lines will introduce new service to Sardinia, Italy, and Malta in its summer 2026 schedule. This decision follows a unique voting process where Delta employees and SkyMiles loyalty members selected the new Mediterranean destinations. Flights to both islands will originate from New York-JFK, utilizing Boeing 767-300ER aircraft.
Key Takeaways
- Delta will launch flights to Sardinia and Malta for summer 2026.
- Destinations were chosen by employee and SkyMiles member votes.
- Service will operate from New York-JFK using Boeing 767-300ER aircraft.
- Sardinia flights begin May 20, 2026, four times weekly.
- Malta flights start June 7, 2026, three times weekly.
Employee and Customer Input Shaped Route Choices
Delta's decision to add Sardinia and Malta to its network was the direct result of a new initiative called the "Route Race" contest. The airline invited its employees and SkyMiles members to vote for their preferred new Mediterranean destination from a shortlist of three options: Sardinia, Italy; Malta; or Ibiza, Spain.
The voting process revealed distinct preferences. Delta employees selected Malta, while SkyMiles loyalty members favored Sardinia. To honor both choices, Delta announced it would add service to both locations for the summer 2026 season.
Interesting Fact
This marks Delta's first-ever "Route Race" contest, directly involving its internal team and most loyal customers in route planning decisions.
Flight Schedules and Aircraft Details
Service to Sardinia, Italy, will commence on May 20, 2026. These flights will operate four times per week. The aircraft used for this route will be the Boeing 767-300ER. This wide-body jet is known for its range and capacity, suitable for transatlantic travel.
For Malta, flights are scheduled to begin on June 7, 2026. This service will run three times weekly. Like the Sardinia route, flights to Malta will also use Boeing 767-300ER aircraft. Both routes will connect Delta's hub at New York-JFK with the respective island destinations.
Connecting New York to Mediterranean Islands
The Sardinia service will link New York-JFK with Olbia-Costa Smeralda Airport (OLB). This airport is located on the northeastern coast of Sardinia. It provides access to popular resort towns such as Porto Cervo and Porto Rotondo. While Olbia is approximately a three-hour drive from the main town of Cagliari, its proximity to exclusive coastal areas makes it a key gateway for tourists.
The specific airport in Malta for Delta's new service has not been detailed, but it is expected to be Malta International Airport (MLA), the country's only airport. This new route will provide a direct connection between the United States and the island nation, which is a popular tourist destination known for its historical sites and clear waters.
"Our first ever 'Route Race' contest was inspired by the increasing demand for Mediterranean island destinations," a Delta spokesperson stated. "The success of our new Catania, Italy, service also showed us the potential in this market."
Background on Mediterranean Demand
Delta's decision reflects a broader trend of growing traveler interest in Mediterranean island destinations. The airline previously launched service from New York-JFK to Catania, Italy, in May. This route proved successful and helped inform the airline's strategy for expanding its presence in the region.
Delta's Expanding Transatlantic Network
The addition of Sardinia and Malta is part of Delta's larger strategy to expand its transatlantic network. The airline has operated its largest-ever transatlantic schedule this summer. This expansion includes new routes and increased service to several European cities.
- New Routes This Summer:
- Barcelona, Spain
- Brussels, Belgium
- Copenhagen, Denmark
- Dublin, Ireland
- Milan, Italy
- Naples, Italy
- Rome, Italy
In addition to these new services, Delta has also increased its flight frequencies to other established European destinations. These include Athens, Greece; Munich, Germany; and Zurich, Switzerland. The airline aims to provide more options for travelers looking to visit Europe, particularly the popular Mediterranean region.
The Boeing 767-300ER aircraft, which will serve the new Sardinia and Malta routes, is a workhorse in Delta's international fleet. It typically offers a comfortable cabin experience for long-haul flights, including various seating classes and in-flight entertainment options. This aircraft choice aligns with Delta's commitment to providing a consistent travel experience on its transatlantic routes.
The introduction of these two new destinations underscores Delta's focus on responding to customer and employee feedback. It also highlights the airline's strategy to capitalize on popular travel trends, such as the increasing demand for unique island getaways in the Mediterranean.
Travelers planning trips for summer 2026 can now consider these new direct options from New York-JFK. This expansion provides more direct access to two distinct and culturally rich Mediterranean islands, enhancing choices for leisure and potentially business travel.
