While Brussels and Geneva will be cut, Delta Air Lines will expand its transatlantic portfolio from New York next summer with a new route to Portugal. Today, the carrier announced that it will begin nonstop service between New York (JFK) and Porto (OPO) in the summer of 2026.

Delta To Launch New York–Porto Flights In Summer 2026

The new route will operate four times per week beginning May 2026, using a Boeing 767-400ER aircraft. It will complement Delta’s existing New York–Lisbon service and expand the airline’s presence in Portugal.

Paul Baldoni, Delta’s Senior Vice President of Network Planning, explained the significance of the new route:

“Delta’s new nonstop service from JFK to Porto is part of seven new European routes launching next summer, giving customers even more opportunities to experience Europe and enjoy our award-winning service and premium onboard experience. Whether discovering Portugal or traveling to our other new destinations such as Sardinia and Malta, these additions expand choice for our customers and reinforce JFK’s role as a leading global gateway.”

> Read More: Delta Air Lines Adds Nonstop Flights From New York To Malta And Sardinia

Details & Competitive Landscape

Here’s what we know so far:

• Service begins May 2026
• Four weekly frequencies between JFK and Porto
• Aircraft: Boeing 767-400ER with 216 seats
  • 26 business class (pictured above)
  • 18 premium economy
  • 172 economy class

Delta says the Porto route is designed to tap into both leisure and business demand, noting Porto’s growing reputation as a hub for technology, wine, and education. It also underscores Delta’s confidence in secondary European markets that complement larger hubs.

Competition will be stiff. TAP Air Portugal dominates the U.S.–Portugal market, with broad connectivity across Europe and Africa, and has strong brand recognition in the region. United Airlines also flies from Newark to Porto. Delta will need to leverage its schedule, pricing, and connectivity to draw customers away from TAP and other competitors. Despite flying its older 767, Delta will be the only widebody operator on the route. United uses its (even older) 757-200 and TAP uses an Airbus A321neo.

CONCLUSION

Launching JFK–Porto service in summer 2026 highlights that Delta is not retreating from New York, just evolving. With Lisbon already served nonstop, Porto gives Delta a second foothold in Portugal. The challenge will be sustaining demand in a smaller, seasonal market, but as part of a broader strategy, it reflects Delta’s disciplined approach to transatlantic growth I discussed yesterday.