Delta Air Lines is expanding its transatlantic offering in a new and interactive way – introducing seasonal nonstop service from New York-JFK to Sardinia, Italy, and Malta beginning summer 2026. This marks an exciting development for travelers seeking more direct access to Mediterranean island destinations.
New Routes Chosen by the Vote
Earlier in 2025, Delta launched a “Route Race,” inviting both SkyMiles members and its own employees to vote on which European island should become its newest destination. The competition included Sardinia, Malta, and Ibiza. While SkyMiles members favored Sardinia, the airline’s employees chose Malta. Delta decided to honor both picks.
Flights to Sardinia (Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport – OLB) will begin May 20, 2026, operating four times weekly. Flights to Malta (Malta International Airport – MLA) will start June 7, 2026, with three weekly departures.
Both routes will be operated using the Boeing 767-300ER aircraft, which features a mix of cabin classes including Delta One, Premium Select, Comfort+, and Main Cabin.
What These Destinations Offer
Sardinia is known for its rugged coastline, turquoise coves, historic towns, and being one of the world’s five “Blue Zones,” where people tend to live longer thanks to lifestyle, diet, environment, and community.
Malta, meanwhile, combines centuries of layered history with beautiful natural scenery: UNESCO-listed streets in Valletta, ancient megalithic temples older than Stonehenge, clear bays like the Blue Lagoon, and a warm Mediterranean cultural vibe.
For U.S. travelers, these nonstop flights will reduce the need for connecting flights, making Mediterranean island travel simpler and more appealing. In particular, JFK serves as the origin for both routes.
Why This Matters & What to Look For
This move by Delta is more than just adding destinations: the “Route Race” format is a novel approach by an airline to engage both customers and employees in route planning. It reflects current trends where airlines experiment with loyalty programs, customer feedback, and community involvement in service decisions.
Travelers planning trips for summer 2026 should start checking fare availability now, especially for premium cabins, and keep an eye on introductory promotions. Also, connecting options, hotel availability, and local tourism amenities in Sardinia and Malta are likely to see increased demand once the routes are launched.
Related Context on Delta’s Network Strategy
In other recent developments, Delta has been rolling out new platform enhancements for business travel, which aim to improve the experience for premium customers across its long-haul network. For example, the Delta Business New Platform 2025 initiative has introduced upgraded service features, revised lounge access, and more flexible schedules.
This program will likely complement the new seasonal routes to Malta and Sardinia by offering an enhanced travel experience for those choosing premium and business-class cabins.
Overall, the addition of Sardinia and Malta represents an important expansion wave for Delta. These routes offer new Mediterranean options directly from the U.S., aligning with traveler demand for island getaways and historic destinations. With flights commencing in 2026, now is a good time to begin planning if you want to take advantage of early reservations and special promotions.