Delta Expands MEM to New York Nonstop with JFK Service

(MEMPHIS) Delta Air Lines will launch a new nonstop daily service between Memphis International Airport (MEM) and New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) beginning September 8, 2025, adding a long-requested option for Mid‑South travelers seeking direct access to New York and one‑stop links to Europe, Africa, and beyond through Delta’s JFK hub. Tickets are on sale now through https://www.delta.com, with the carrier planning to fly a 76‑seat Embraer 175 on the route.

Airport officials say demand for New York is strong from MEM, with an average of 352 passengers traveling daily each way between the two cities. The new JFK flight expands Delta’s Memphis schedule beyond its existing New York LaGuardia service, adding a second airport choice for the metro area while opening smoother connections to international long‑haul flights operated by Delta and its partners at JFK.

Delta plans a daily schedule, subject to change: the flight will depart MEM at 4:35 p.m. CST and arrive at JFK at 8:15 p.m. EST. The return will depart JFK at 2:00 p.m. EST and arrive at MEM at 3:55 p.m. CST. The Embraer 175 offers a two‑cabin layout with First Class, Delta Comfort+, and Main Cabin, giving business and leisure travelers more seating and fare options on the new service.

Michael Keeney, chairman of the board of commissioners for the Memphis‑Shelby County Airport Authority, welcomed the move, saying the added JFK service gives passengers another way into the New York area and widens links to Europe and other international destinations through Delta’s network. The route also gives Memphis travelers an important backup when LaGuardia slots or weather make schedules tight, as JFK often provides more flight choices for long‑haul and late‑evening departures.

Service details and market context

• Delta currently serves several cities from MEM, including Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Detroit, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Salt Lake City, and New York‑LaGuardia.
• The JFK launch follows Delta’s May 7, 2025 start of Austin service, signaling steady growth of point‑to‑point options from Memphis.
• According to https://www.flymemphis.com, New York is MEM’s second largest market.

The addition of JFK helps right‑size capacity and timing for travelers who need late‑day departures from MEM with evening arrivals into New York—a schedule that often works well for same‑day meetings or onward red‑eyes.

Aviation analysts say the Embraer 175 is a smart fit here. It offers a premium cabin, aisle access at every seat pair, and reliable performance in mixed weather. That helps keep on‑time rates stable at busy hubs like JFK while giving Memphis passengers a more comfortable ride than many smaller regional jets.

Industry watchers note airlines continue to restore and add nonstop flights after the pandemic, focusing on major business centers and global gateways. MEM–JFK checks both boxes.

This new route does not replace Delta’s LaGuardia option; it adds choice:

• LGA may be quicker for Midtown Manhattan and parts of Queens and Brooklyn.
• JFK may be better for Long Island, lower Brooklyn, or international connections.

With both airports in play, Memphis flyers can choose the airport that best fits their plans, price, and transfer needs.

Travelers can search and book the new service at https://www.delta.com or through travel agents. Schedules can change, so checking close to departure is wise, especially during winter and holiday peaks. For airport updates, construction notices, and parking, see https://www.flymemphis.com.

Practical impact for international and domestic travelers

The JFK flight matters for more than convenience. For many families, students, and workers, it creates simpler one‑stop journeys to the United States or from the United States to overseas destinations. Through JFK, Delta and partners offer direct links to Europe and other regions.

Key benefits:

• Reduced total travel time and lower missed‑connection risk for long‑haul itineraries.
• Better same‑day connection options for time‑sensitive travel (visa interviews, family events, job start dates).
• Easier travel with children or elderly passengers due to fewer connections.

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, adding a JFK spoke from a mid‑sized market like MEM often boosts access to long‑haul seats without forcing travelers into multi‑stop routings that raise both costs and stress.

Important immigration and document reminders:

• International passengers connecting through JFK should plan extra time for terminal changes and security lines.
• Foreign nationals flying into the U.S. through JFK to reach Memphis must verify visa or travel authorization well before departure.
• Many travelers from Visa Waiver Program countries will need approved ESTA travel authorization; others must hold the proper U.S. visa in their passport.
• Frequent travelers may want to keep copies of prior entry records. To review recent arrival/departure history, see the CBP I‑94 website.

Domestic travelers also gain from the schedule:

• The afternoon departure from MEM allows a full workday before heading to New York.
• The mid‑afternoon JFK return can get you home before dinner—useful for small business owners, medical staff on shifts, and students planning weekend travel.

Family‑friendly features:

• The Embraer 175’s 2‑2 seating reduces middle‑seat stress.
• Parents should pre‑select seats early and allow extra time for strollers and gate‑checked items.
• For assistance (wheelchair help, early boarding), call Delta reservations or use the airline’s app chat.

Fares will vary with demand, but early bookings often help. If your plans are firm for fall travel, locking in tickets now can guard against price spikes once the route fills. Watch for fare sales tied to the route launch; airlines sometimes run promotions near new flight start dates.

Weather caveats and reroute options:

• New York weather can disrupt operations, especially in winter. Having both LGA and JFK flights on the same carrier gives Memphis travelers more rebooking and reroute options.
• If your flight changes, use the airline app to rebook quickly and consider traveling carry‑on only for tight connections.

Future outlook

Airport leadership says the JFK addition may encourage further growth if bookings stay strong. Potential outcomes include:

1. More frequency on the route.
2. A larger aircraft on peak days.
3. Added East Coast links in the future.

There are no additional New York routes announced beyond this service as of September 2025, but both the airport and Delta have said they’re open to more if demand supports it.

For now, Memphis gains a clear, daily path into one of the world’s busiest airports—with better access to international flights and more choice across the Delta network. For many in the Mid‑South, this change will shape how they plan family visits, college trips, job interviews, and long‑awaited overseas vacations. And for a city that values easy access to both coasts, this move adds a useful bridge to the Northeast—and beyond.

Key takeaways:
– Daily MEM–JFK nonstop starts September 8, 2025 on a 76‑seat Embraer 175.
– Book now at https://www.delta.com.
– Newflight adds choice alongside LaGuardia and improves one‑stop connections to Europe and other international destinations.