Delta Adds JFK Flights to Sardinia and Malta in 2026

Delta Air Lines is expanding its transatlantic network with the launch of nonstop flights from New York-JFK to Sardinia, Italy, and Malta beginning in summer 2026. These new routes are the result of Delta’s first-ever “Route Race,” a voting campaign that allowed customers and employees to help shape the airline’s next destinations. SkyMiles members selected Sardinia as their top choice while Delta’s workforce chose Malta, prompting the carrier to add both destinations to its schedule.

Service to Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport in Sardinia will begin on May 20, 2026, with four weekly flights, offering travelers direct access to one of the Mediterranean’s most exclusive and scenic islands. Flights to Malta International Airport are set to commence on June 7, 2026, operating three times per week. Both routes will be served by Delta’s Boeing 767-300ER aircraft, featuring Delta One lie-flat seats, Delta Premium Select, Comfort+ and Main Cabin options.

The new routes mark Delta’s first-ever direct flights from the United States to both Sardinia and Malta, strengthening the airline’s footprint across Southern Europe and offering travelers new leisure and business connections. This expansion reflects Delta’s strategy of using customer engagement to identify high-demand destinations while enhancing its premium onboard experience on long-haul flights. By launching these routes, Delta aims to capture growing interest in Mediterranean travel and provide convenient service for U.S. passengers seeking unique island destinations in Italy and the central Mediterranean.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com