Delta Air Lines is set to increase its flight services to Europe in 2026, planning its most extensive network in the past nine years. The airline will introduce new direct flights to Malta, Olbia in Sardinia, Italy, and Porto, Portugal. This expansion focuses heavily on Southern European vacation and leisure markets, marking a significant strategic shift.
While adding these new routes, Delta will also adjust its existing European network. The airline plans to end all services to London Gatwick and Geneva. Additionally, it will reduce flights to Brussels. These changes reflect an evolving demand landscape for transatlantic travel.
Key Takeaways
- Delta will serve 28 European airports in July 2026, the highest number in nine years.
- New routes include Malta, Olbia (Sardinia), and Porto, with Olbia being a first for North American service.
- The airline will increase daily departures to Europe, reaching an average of 99 per day in July 2026.
- Southern Europe will see a record number of Delta flights, with a 78% increase compared to 2019.
- London Gatwick and Geneva services will cease, and Brussels flights will be cut.
Delta's Expanded European Network
Delta's planned expansion for 2026 highlights a strategic focus on popular leisure destinations. The airline will add three new cities to its European network. These new destinations are Malta, Olbia, and Porto. This move aims to capture growing demand for travel to Southern Europe.
The new service to Olbia, located in Sardinia, Italy, will be the first direct flight from North America to this destination. Malta will also receive scheduled service from a North American carrier for the first time. Porto, Portugal, will become a destination served by two US airlines, increasing competition for existing carriers like TAP Air Portugal.
Fact: Record Italian Service
With the addition of Olbia, Delta will serve six Italian cities in 2026. This is more than any other transatlantic airline, including United Airlines (five cities) and American Airlines (four cities). Delta plans an average of 16 daily departures to Italy next July.
Increased Daily Departures
According to schedule analysis using Cirium Diio data, Delta plans an average of 99 daily departures to Europe in July 2026. This represents a significant increase compared to previous years. This number will be higher than any other July period on record for the airline.
The airline will also expand its reach to more European airports. In July 2026, Delta expects to fly to 28 different European airports. This will be the highest number of European destinations served by Delta in nine years.
"The focus on Southern Europe for vacationers and those traveling to visit friends and relatives continues at a pace," an airline representative stated. "Indeed, Delta will serve more cities in the region next year than in any other year thus far."
New Route Details for 2026
The new routes to Malta, Olbia, and Porto are scheduled to begin in May and June 2026. These new services will originate from New York JFK, which is a key hub for Delta's transatlantic operations. Financial incentives and risk-sharing agreements often support such new route launches.
Background: Prior Expansions
These new routes follow Delta's launch of New York JFK-Catania flights in May 2025. Catania was the first Sicilian city to receive direct US service. This indicates a consistent strategy by Delta to expand into underserved or growing leisure markets in Southern Europe.
Below are the details for the planned new routes:
- New York JFK-Olbia: Scheduled to begin May 20, 2026. Operations will be three times weekly using a Boeing 767-300ER aircraft.
- New York JFK-Porto: Scheduled to begin May 21, 2026. This route will operate daily with a Boeing 767-300ER.
- New York JFK-Malta: Scheduled to begin June 7, 2026. Flights will be three times weekly using a Boeing 767-300ER.
These plans are based on information available as of October 1 and may change. Airline schedules are often adjusted based on market conditions and operational factors.
Adjustments to Existing European Services
As Delta expands into new markets, it is also making changes to its existing European network. The airline will cease operations to London Gatwick and Geneva. Flights to London Gatwick ended in September 2025. Services to Geneva will conclude in October 2025.
The decision to end Geneva flights was influenced by several factors. Reports indicate a 9% decrease in Swiss visitors to the US. The upcoming imposition of tariffs on pharmaceutical products also played a role. Both London Gatwick and Geneva routes were served from New York JFK. Delta also ended flights to Stuttgart from Atlanta in October 2024.
Record Service to Southern Europe
Delta's strategic shift is evident in its planned service to Southern Europe. For July 2026, the airline currently plans an average of 32 daily departures to nations in this region. This includes Greece, Italy, Malta, Portugal, and Spain.
This offering represents a substantial increase. It is almost 14% higher than the previous record set in July 2025. Compared to pre-pandemic levels in July 2019, services to Southern Europe have risen by 78%. This translates to an additional 14 daily departures.
Statistical Insight
Almost a third of all Delta's Europe-bound flights will be directed towards the southern part of the continent. This highlights the growing appeal of these destinations for North American travelers.
The airline plans to fly to 12 cities in Southern Europe. This is a new record for Delta, surpassing its previous high of nine cities. This trend is not unique to Delta; other airlines are also increasing their presence in the region.
United Airlines has recently added multiple Southern European destinations, such as Bilbao, Faro, Funchal, and Palermo. Air Canada will also begin flights to Palma de Mallorca. These actions show a broader industry trend towards expanding services to popular Southern European vacation spots.
