Delta Air Lines is adding two new destinations in Europe next summer, both never before served nonstop by a U.S. carrier.

Delta Adds New York Nonstops To Malta And Sardinia

Delta will begin nonstop flights from New York-JFK to Malta and Sardinia (Olbia) in Summer 2026. The new routes were chosen in Delta’s first-ever “Route Race,” which allowed SkyMiles members and Delta employees to vote among three Mediterranean islands. SkyMiles members chose Sardinia, employees chose Malta, and Delta ultimately decided to launch both.

Regular readers may recall my earlier coverage of the “Route Race,” where I predicted that Delta would not stop at just one new city. That’s exactly what happened.

Flight Details

The new flights are already bookable and will operate according to the following schedule:

• New York (JFK) – Olbia, Sardinia (OLB): Four weekly flights starting May 20, 2026
  • DL216 New York – Olbia dep 6:25 pm arr 9:00 am+1
  • DL217 Olbia – New York dep 11:00 am arr 2:35 pm
• New York (JFK) – Malta (MLA): Three weekly flights starting June 7, 2026
  • DL148 New York – Malta dep 5:00 pm arri 8:20 am+1
  • DL149 Malta – New York dep 10:20 am arr 2:50 pm

Both routes will operate with Boeing 767-300ER aircraft, featuring Delta One, Premium Select, Comfort+, and Main Cabin seating

Delta Makes First Move – Will United Match?

These are brand-new nonstop destinations from the U.S. and a bold move for Delta. The 767-300ER is well-suited for limited summer leisure service: its size matches seasonal demand while still offering a premium cabin with direct aisle access at each seat. Neither Malta nor Sardinia has previously seen nonstop U.S. service, but the combination of local tourism demand and connecting traffic through New York should be enough to sustain these flights during peak months. While I would not get close to overpriced Sardina during the high season, my family loves Malta…it’s a destination strongly worth considering if you have not been.

Just as I predicted that Delta would not stop with one new destination, I’ll predict here that I am expecting United Airlines to add service to one or both cities (and maybe Ibiza too) when it announces its new transatlantic routes for next summer, which is typically done in October.

CONCLUSION

Delta is taking a calculated gamble by adding service to two new Mediterranean islands at once, but the decision makes sense in terms of schedule and aircraft. For travelers, it means more nonstop options to unique leisure destinations and a rare opportunity to skip a connection in Europe. Delta was smart ot get a jump on United on new route announcements, because I expect similar routes from United next month.

image: Delta