(NEW YORK-JFK) Delta Air Lines will launch its first-ever nonstop U.S. flights to Malta and Sardinia in summer 2026, opening direct service from New York-JFK to two Mediterranean islands that currently have no links from the United States. The airline says the seasonal routes—four weekly flights to Olbia, Sardinia, starting May 20, 2026, and three weekly flights to Malta beginning June 7, 2026—will operate with Boeing 767-300ER aircraft offering Delta One, Premium Select, Comfort+, and Main Cabin seating. Tickets are on sale now for cash fares and SkyMiles award redemptions, marking a notable expansion of transatlantic choice for U.S. travelers seeking leisure travel to Europe.
Route launch and schedule
Delta’s New York–Olbia (OLB) service will run four times a week from May 20, 2026, while New York–Malta (MLA) will operate three times a week from June 7, 2026.
Flight times (as published by Delta):
– JFK–OLB: departs 6:25 pm, arrives 9:00 am+1
– OLB–JFK: departs 11:00 am, arrives 2:35 pm
– JFK–MLA: departs 5:00 pm, arrives 8:20 am+1
– MLA–JFK: departs 10:20 am, arrives 2:50 pm
Both routes will use the Boeing 767-300ER, offering passengers a four-cabin layout. Delta One customers can expect lie-flat seats and premium ground experiences at JFK. SkyMiles members may redeem miles for these routes, with economy redemptions starting around 70,000 miles round-trip, and special discounts available to eligible Delta–American Express cardholders.
These are Delta’s first nonstop U.S. flights to both Malta and Sardinia. Booking is open now.
Why these routes, why now
Delta decided the new destinations through its first “Route Race,” a public vote among SkyMiles members and Delta employees.
- Sardinia won the member vote.
- Malta won the employee vote.
- Delta chose to launch both routes.
Paul Baldoni, Delta’s SVP of Network Planning, 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.”
This launch follows a broader trend of U.S. carriers adding links to secondary European destinations as demand for Mediterranean leisure travel remains strong and competition intensifies—especially from United Airlines. Industry watchers view Delta’s move as a calculated gamble focused on high-end leisure markets that lack direct U.S. service but appeal to travelers seeking unique, upscale experiences.
Market impact and stakeholder views
Local leaders welcomed the announcement and emphasized tourism and economic benefits.
- Silvio Pippobello, CEO of Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport: called the JFK route “a historic and strategic milestone for our island,” noting new growth opportunities.
- Allan Borg, CEO of Malta International Airport: said the addition “strengthens our route network and widens our global reach significantly.”
- Ian Borg, Malta’s Foreign Affairs and Tourism Minister: said the flights “will push us forward in our objective for Malta’s continued shift toward a higher value-added tourism mix.”
Strategic effects for Delta and travelers:
– Sardinia becomes Delta’s sixth Italian destination, reinforcing the airline’s position as the largest U.S. carrier to Italy.
– Direct flights remove the need for European connections, simplifying trips for families and vacationers who prefer nonstop options to resort areas.
– Analysis by VisaVerge.com suggests the lack of transfers could stimulate new demand from U.S. travelers who previously avoided multi-stop itineraries.
Booking, cabins, and award travel
Delta says customers can book now via its website or app. The 767-300ER’s four-cabin layout includes:
– Delta One — lie-flat seats and premium amenities
– Premium Select — wider seats and extra recline
– Comfort+ — extra legroom
– Main Cabin — standard seating
SkyMiles members can redeem miles for both routes. Delta has introduced limited-time award deals, including discounts for eligible Delta–American Express cardholders. Travel agents and corporate booking tools show award space, though some analysts question whether premium-cabin demand on Malta will sustain beyond the launch season.
Industry perspectives and competitive dynamics
Analysts note different demand profiles for the two islands:
- Sardinia (Olbia): viewed as a luxury market with a strong summer profile, high-end hotels, and limited points-redemption options—well-suited for a targeted U.S. nonstop.
- Malta: known for culture and history and long served by low-cost European carriers. Some industry observers are cautious about sustained business-class demand to Malta, though a nonstop from New York could raise the destination’s profile and unlock new traveler segments.
Delta’s timing may prompt a domino effect in transatlantic planning. Carriers often respond to seasonal route announcements; United and other U.S. airlines are expected to map more Mediterranean routes in response. For summer 2026, both Delta routes are planned as seasonal (late spring through summer and into fall), with continuation contingent on performance.
Practical considerations for U.S. travelers
Travelers should plan basic entry requirements and monitor official guidance.
- For official travel guidance related to European entry rules, consult the U.S. Department of State – Schengen Area travel information: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/SchengenArea.html
- Check airline communications for schedule updates and airport advisories as the season approaches.
- Delta highlights a smoother day-of-travel experience at JFK for premium customers.
- Evening departures from New York and morning arrivals in the Mediterranean allow for same-day hotel check-ins and help maximize vacation time.
- Late-morning returns offer an easier start on departure day.
What this means for Malta and Sardinia
Tourism officials expect an uptick in U.S. visitors, with direct flights from the United States likely to spur longer stays and higher spending.
- Sardinia: reinforces status as a luxury beach and yachting hub.
- Malta: adds reach to a cultural destination known for historic sites, coastal scenery, and year-round events.
Local airports say they are prepared to support the new traffic and highlight the strategic value of a U.S. carrier partnership. Anticipated ripple effects include increased hotel bookings, more local tours, and seasonal employment—factors already part of regional planning for summer 2026.
Delta is betting on steady Mediterranean leisure demand: if the routes perform, they may return; if not, capacity could shift elsewhere in Europe. For now, with tickets on sale and schedules set, Delta has added two destinations long on American wish lists—and, until now, short on direct options.
This Article in a Nutshell
Delta Air Lines will inaugurate nonstop flights from New York–JFK to Olbia (Sardinia) and Malta in summer 2026. Olbia service starts May 20 with four weekly flights; Malta begins June 7 with three weekly flights. Both routes will operate on Boeing 767-300ER aircraft offering Delta One, Premium Select, Comfort+, and Main Cabin seats. The destinations were selected through Delta’s Route Race, with Sardinia chosen by members and Malta by employees. Tickets are on sale for cash fares and SkyMiles awards. Local officials expect tourism and economic benefits, while analysts see the move as targeting high-end Mediterranean leisure demand and possibly prompting competitive responses from other U.S. carriers.
