Delta adding Sardinia and Malta flights from JFK in 2026

For the first time in its history, Delta let its most loyal travelers and employees decide where the airline should fly next in Europe.

The winners? Two Mediterranean islands: Sardinia and Malta.

Delta announced this week that both destinations will be added to its global network beginning in the summer of 2026, after nearly 150,000 people took part in what the airline called its “Route Race.” SkyMiles Members picked Sardinia, while Delta employees gave the edge to Malta — so Delta chose to launch both.

“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, Delta’s senior vice president of network planning. “We can now say that our network is not just built for our most loyal customers, but by them.”

Flights from JFK

Both new direct routes will launch from New York-JFK on Boeing 767-300ER aircraft.

• Sardinia (Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport): service begins May 20, 2026, four times weekly.
• Malta (Malta International Airport): service begins June 7, 2026, three times weekly.

Why Sardinia?

Travelers were drawn to Sardinia’s mix of rugged cliffs, turquoise coves, and vibrant food culture. The Italian island is also one of the world’s five official “Blue Zones,” where residents often live past 100 thanks to a lifestyle built on fresh food, activity, and community.

“It’s one of the most beautiful, relaxing places I’ve ever been,” said Kristen N., a Delta marketing manager who visited last year.

Why Malta?

Malta is known for its centuries-old fortresses, UNESCO-listed capital city of Valletta, and crystal-clear bays like the Blue Lagoon. Visitors can explore temples older than Stonehenge and the pyramids, dive historic shipwrecks, and watch sunsets from the island’s dramatic cliffs.

“It’s a one-of-a-kind place, with both the charm of a bustling city and the relaxing beauty of sandy beaches,” said Ben J., a Delta senior manager.

Local leaders welcome the routes

Sardinian and Maltese officials hailed the new direct service as historic for their islands, calling it a major step forward for tourism, culture, and economic ties with the United States.

Alan Borg, CEO of Malta International Airport, said the nonstop route to New York “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.”

Delta already flies to Rome, Milan, Venice, Naples and Catania, making it the largest U.S. carrier to Italy. With Sardinia and Malta joining the map in 2026, the airline continues its record-setting transatlantic expansion.

Related