Isle Take Two: Delta Adds Sardinia and Malta to Its Summer 2026 Schedule - Get updated on what's happening in tourism!

For the first time in its history, Delta Air Lines gave both SkyMiles Members and employees the power to choose a new European destination for the airline’s global network. The votes were split: Members selected Sardinia, while employees favored Malta. Delta responded by adding both Mediterranean islands to its map, with new nonstop flights from New York-JFK starting in summer 2026.

A First-of-Its-Kind “Route Race”

Nearly 150,000 people took part in the Route Race, a five-day voting contest that invited two of Delta’s most important communities to shape the airline’s future. Sardinia edged ahead with Members, while Malta captured the employees’ vote. Delta will now launch both destinations, turning community input into two new European gateways.

“We are continuing to add more choice and unique destinations for our SkyMiles members with new service to Malta and Sardinia, two destinations previously unserved from the U.S.,” said Paul Baldoni, Senior Vice President, Network Planning. “We can now say that our network is not just built for our most loyal customers, but by them.”

Sardinia: Beauty, Tradition, and Blue Zone Lifestyle

From rugged cliffs and turquoise coves to Cannonau wine under starlit skies, Sardinia offers an authentic Mediterranean rhythm of life. It is also one of the world’s five official Blue Zones, known for longevity rooted in fresh food, active living, and strong community ties. Visitors will discover ancient ruins, pristine coastlines, and a culture where every meal feels like a celebration.

Malta: A Storybook Island at the Crossroads of History

Malta blends UNESCO-listed heritage with crystal-clear bays. Travelers can explore Valletta’s historic streets, sail to the Blue Lagoon, or visit megalithic temples older than Stonehenge. From diving shipwrecks to watching the sun set over Dingli Cliffs, Malta offers a compelling mix of history, culture, and coastal beauty.

Service from New York-JFK

Delta’s new services will operate on Boeing 767-300ER aircraft:

·         JFK–Olbia, Sardinia: Begins May 20, 2026, four weekly flights.

·         JFK–Malta: Begins June 7, 2026, three weekly flights.

All flights will offer Delta One®, Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort+, and Main Cabin experiences. Delta One® customers enjoy lie-flat seating, chef-curated menus, Missoni-designed amenity kits, and Taittinger champagne. Across all cabins, travelers benefit from Delta Studio entertainment and free Delta Sync Wi-Fi presented by T-Mobile.

Local Leaders Welcome the New Routes

“This nonstop route marks a historic milestone for Sardinia, strengthening our global profile and opening new opportunities for tourism and business,” said Silvio Pippobello, CEO, Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport.

“The first scheduled U.S.-operated transatlantic service from Malta represents a major step for our islands, expanding connectivity and attracting quality tourism,” said Alan Borg, CEO, Malta International Airport.

“This development strengthens Malta’s ties with the U.S., boosting tourism while fostering deeper cultural and economic exchange,” added Dr. Ian Borg, Malta’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism.

Expanding Delta’s European Footprint

With Sardinia and Malta joining in 2026, Delta expands its network to 300+ global destinations, reinforcing its position as the largest U.S. carrier to Italy while introducing a new gateway to the Mediterranean. These routes mark the latest step in Delta’s record-setting transatlantic growth, connecting customers to the European destinations they value most.

Image Credit: © Delta Air Lines