For the first time in Delta history, SkyMiles Members and Delta employees had the power to decide which new European destination would join the airline’s global network. Thousands of votes were cast, but the winners were split, with Members choosing Sardinia and employees choosing Malta. That’s why both islands will join Delta’s map in Summer 2026.
To celebrate, Delta is offering introductory deals to both Sardinia and Malta, available now for a limited time.
A first-of-its-kind Route Race
The Route Race invited SkyMiles Members and Delta people to shape the airline’s network in a way no other airline has done before. Sardinia, Malta and Ibiza each lined up on the starting line, and over five days of spirited voting, nearly 150K people made their voices heard.
The results were tight: SkyMiles Members gave Sardinia the edge, while Delta employees crowned Malta their favourite. With both destinations ranking at the top for two of its most important communities, Delta chose to add both to its map, turning these votes into two new summer getaways.
“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: The island that blends beauty and tradition
Sardinia didn’t just win the Route Race with Members; it won over imaginations. Think mornings spent hiking rugged cliffs, afternoons diving into turquoise coves, and evenings of handmade pasta paired with Cannonau wine under the stars. This is the rhythm of life that thousands voted for, and soon, it’s one Delta customers can experience nonstop firsthand.
More than just stunning scenery, Sardinia is one of the world’s five official Blue Zones, where people often live past 100, thanks to a lifestyle that blends good food, active living and strong community ties. It’s a place where history whispers from ancient ruins, coastlines stretch for miles, and every meal feels like a celebration.
Malta: The island that blends history and sun
Malta feels like a living storybook. One day, travellers can wander the UNESCO-listed streets of Valletta or explore fortresses that have stood for centuries. The next, they’re sailing across turquoise bays toward the Blue Lagoon. It’s a destination that combines history, culture and relaxation in equal measure.
Malta is also home to megalithic temples older than Stonehenge and Egypt’s pyramids, making it one of the world’s most fascinating cultural crossroads. From diving shipwrecks to watching the sunset from Dingli Cliffs, every corner of Malta offers a new story to tell.
JFK: Your gateway to Sardinia and Malta
The journey begins from New York-JFK, where Delta One® customers can enjoy the Delta One Lounge at JFK before take-off - its tranquil space, gourmet dining, premium beverages and attentive service sets the tone for what‘s ahead.
From there, customers will have their choice of these two Mediterranean options on the Boeing 767-300ER, with service to Sardinia beginning on the 20th May, 2026, operating four times weekly, and service to Malta beginning on the 7th June, 2026, with three weekly flights.
On both routes, customers will enjoy four product experiences: Delta One®, Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort and Delta Main. Delta One® customers enjoy lie-flat seats, chef-curated meals and exclusive Missoni-designed amenities, paired with Taittinger champagne, renowned for its exceptional and consistent quality. Across all products, customers benefit from curated dining and Delta Studio entertainment, and SkyMiles Members can enjoy fast, free Delta Sync Wi-Fi presented by T-Mobile. An experience designed with intention making the journey as enjoyable as the destination.
Connecting more of the world
Flying to 300+ destinations and still growing, Delta continues to expand its global network to connect travellers with the world’s most sought-after cities. With Sardinia joining the schedule in Summer 2026, Delta strengthens its leading position as the largest U.S. carrier to Italy, where it already serves Rome, Milan, Venice, Naples, and Catania, while also adding Malta as a new gateway to the Mediterranean.
These routes mark the next chapter in Delta’s record-setting trans-Atlantic expansion, bringing customers even closer to the European destinations they love most.
Silvio Pippobello, CEO of Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport (Geasar S.p.A.) said: “The launch of the nonstop Olbia–New York JFK route, operated by Delta Air Lines, one of the world’s largest and most important carriers, marks a historic and strategic milestone for our Island. With this flight, Sardinia takes a significant step forward, establishing itself on the global stage and opening new opportunities for tourism and economic growth. At the same time, Sardinian residents will have the chance to fly directly to the United States, strengthening the bond between our community and one of the most relevant international markets. This achievement has been made possible thanks to the constant support of the Sardinia Region, aviation authorities, local administrations, as well as trade associations and all tourism stakeholders who have believed in this project throughout its more than two-year development. To Delta Air Lines, we extend our sincere appreciation for embracing this challenge, for which we assure our strongest and most concrete cooperation.”
Allan Borg, CEO of Malta International Airport said: “The launch of a direct route between Malta and New York by Delta marks a historic milestone for our islands and for Malta International Airport. As the first scheduled transatlantic service from Malta operated by a US carrier, this landmark development not only strengthens our route network and widens our global reach significantly, but also aligns with the Malta Tourism Authority’s long-term vision to attract quality tourism to our islands. Linking our islands directly with the Big Apple opens exciting opportunities for tourism and business between Malta and the US, while further showcasing Malta’s attractiveness as a vibrant, year-round destination.”
Dr. Ian Borg, Malta’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism said, “This is a landmark development for the Maltese Islands, and for the long-standing ties between Malta and the US. It strengthens our tourism potential in the North American market, to attract discerning tourists who can truly appreciate Malta’s unique and authentic travel experiences. It also empowers more social, cultural and economic collaborations between our nations.”
