Delta’s Summer Surprise: Nonstop Flights to Sardinia and Malta Launching in 2026

Delta Air Lines is expanding its European network by introducing new nonstop services to Sardinia, Italy, and Malta for the summer of 2026. This decision follows a unique customer and employee voting initiative, where nearly 150,000 votes were cast to determine the airline’s next Mediterranean destination. Ultimately, Delta decided to launch routes to both islands from its New York-JFK hub.

Key Takeaways

• Delta will offer new nonstop flights from New York-JFK to Sardinia (Olbia) and Malta starting in May and June 2026, respectively.
• These routes were chosen based on a customer and employee vote, with Sardinia winning the customer vote and Malta the employee vote.
• Both destinations are currently unserved by any U.S. carrier.
• The flights will be operated using Delta’s Boeing 767-300ER aircraft.

New European Destinations

Delta’s foray into Sardinia and Malta marks a significant expansion, as these islands have not previously been served by any U.S. airline. The airline is positioning itself as the largest U.S. carrier to Italy, adding these new Mediterranean gems to its existing Italian network.

Flight Details and Schedules

The new service to Sardinia (Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport – SLB) will commence on May 20, 2026, operating four times per week. The flight from JFK is scheduled to depart at 6:25 p.m., arriving in Olbia the next day at 9 a.m. local time. The return flight departs Olbia at 11 p.m., arriving at JFK at 2:35 p.m.

Service to Malta (Malta International Airport – MLA) will begin on June 7, 2026, with three weekly flights. The outbound flight from JFK will depart at 5 p.m., arriving in Malta at 8:20 a.m. the following day. The return flight from Malta is set to depart at 10:20 a.m., landing at JFK at 2:50 p.m.

Aircraft and Cabin Experience

Both routes will be operated by Delta’s Boeing 767-300ER aircraft. These planes are configured with three cabins, including Delta One for a premium lie-flat experience, Premium Select, and Economy. Passengers flying in Delta One will have access to exclusive amenities at JFK’s Terminal 4.

Strategic Route Selection

Delta’s decision to let customers and employees vote on new routes is a novel approach in the airline industry. Sardinia is highlighted as a premium leisure destination, potentially attracting demand for the airline’s premium cabins. Malta, a culturally rich and compact nation, is seen as a strong contender, possibly supported by destination subsidies. While Ibiza was also an option, it was not selected.

Bookings for these new routes are now open, offering opportunities for both cash and SkyMiles redemptions. The airline’s move to add these unserved destinations is expected to be a boon for travelers seeking new European experiences.

Sources

• Delta announces nonstop service to Sardinia, Malta for summer 2026, The Points Guy.
• Delta Launching New York To Malta & Sardinia Flights In 2026: Surprising?, One Mile at a Time.
• Delta Asked You To Vote For One — They Picked Two: Sardinia And Malta Get JFK Nonstops, View from the Wing.