Next summer, travelers will be able to visit two of the Mediterranean’s most glamorous islands with ease, thanks to Delta’s latest route expansion.
The airline just announced it will launch routes from New York JFK to Sardinia, Italy, and Malta in May and June 2026, respectively. When the new flights begin, Delta will be the first carrier to serve both destinations nonstop from the United States.
The route announcement follows Delta’s first-ever contest to allow members of its SkyMiles loyalty program and its employees to vote on its next destinations. The contest, which the airline dubbed a “route race,” allowed customers and staff to vote for one of four different island destinations in the Mediterranean.
The airline says that thousands of votes were cast, with the results between Malta and Sardinia too close to call. So the carrier will now launch service to both destinations.
“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.” said Paul Baldoni, Delta’s senior vice president network planning. “We can now say that our network is not just built for our most loyal customers, but by them.”
Travelers to Malta will find spectacular historical sites, with temples dating back to before Stonehenge or the Egyptian pyramids were constructed. Its capital city of Valletta is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The island nation also offers breathtaking beaches and swimming in its Blue Lagoon.
Sardinia is known for its rugged seaside cliffs, pristine beaches, handmade pasta, and slow-paced lifestyle. The Italian island is a rare so-called “Blue Zone,” where residents regularly live to be 100 years old.
The airline will use its Boeing 777-300ER to serve both routes. The aircraft is outfitted with four cabin classes, including Delta One business class, offering perks like lie-flat seats, Missoni amenity kits, and Tattinger Champagne. The planes also offer Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort, and Delta Main classes.
Flights to Sardinia’s Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport (OLB) will kick off from JFK on May 20, 2026, and operate four times weekly. Delta will begin its service from JFK to Malta International Airport (MLA) on June 7, 2026, with three flights a week.
Fares for both routes are now on sale, with ticket prices for flights in June 2026 in Delta Main economy class currently around $1,000+ roundtrip to both Malta and Sardinia.
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