It seems the power of being popular works at Delta, with SkyMiles Members and Delta employees choosing which new European destination would join the airline’s global network.
And they have spoken.
Thousands of votes were cast, but the winners were split, with Members choosing Sardinia and employees choosing Malta. Both islands will join Delta’s map in Summer 2026. The choice was made over five days, with 150,000 people taking part.
According to the airline, 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.
Both of these services will operate from New York-JFK Airport. Sardinia will be served four times weekly from 20th May 2026, whilst Malta will gain three weekly flights from 7th June 2026.
Both routes will use a Boeing 767-300ER, with four service offerings – Delta One (business class), Delta Premium Select (Premium Economy), Delta Comfort (Extra Space Economy Class) and Delta Main (Economy Class). Delta Studio in-flight entertainment will be offered, along with Delta Sync Wi-Fi presented by T-Mobile.
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.
In Quotes
Paul Baldoni, Senior Vice President of Network Planning at Delta, said:
“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.”
“We can now say that our network is not just built for our most loyal customers, but by them.”
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.”
If you vote for it… they had better come…
It’s always a little risky putting it in the hands of the people, with Ibiza, Sardinia and Malta being offered as voting options, as you are truly putting part of your network planning into the consumers and staff.
That’s not to say that Delta most probably had done a lot of its homework to ensure that any of these routes would have been viable to operate, as well as working out the balance of services to ensure they would be sustainable.
But I suspect Delta will be watching carefully how many people voted for a route, and how many people will end up flying on it.
Choice is a wonderful thing in aviation, but it’s got to be backed up with commercial viability for a route to have a long-term life..
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