For the first time in Delta history, SkyMiles members and Delta employees had the power to decide which new European destination would join the airline’s global network. Thousands of votes were cast, but the winners were split, with SkyMiles members choosing Sardinia and employees choosing Malta. That’s why both islands will join Delta’s map from New York–JFK in summer 2026. To celebrate, Delta is offering introductory deals to both Sardinia and Malta, available now for a limited time.
A first-of-its-kind Route Race
The Route Race invited SkyMiles members and Delta people to shape the airline’s network. Sardinia, Malta and Ibiza each lined up on the starting line, and over five days of spirited voting, nearly 150K people made their voices heard.
The results were tight: SkyMiles Members gave Sardinia the edge, while Delta employees crowned Malta their favorite. With both destinations ranking at the top for two of its most important communities, Delta chose to add both to its map, turning these votes into two new summer getaways.
“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, senior vice president network planning. “We can now say that our network is not just built for our most loyal customers, but by them.”
Sardinia
Sardinia didn’t just win the Route Race with SkyMiles members, it won over imaginations. Think mornings spent hiking rugged cliffs, afternoons diving into turquoise coves, and evenings of handmade pasta paired with Cannonau wine under the stars. This is the rhythm of life that thousands voted for, and soon, it’s one Delta customers can experience nonstop firsthand.
Sardinia is one of the world’s five official “Blue Zones,” where people often live past 100, thanks to a lifestyle that blends good food, active living and strong community ties. It’s a place where history whispers from ancient ruins, coastlines stretch for miles, and every meal feels like a celebration.
Malta
Malta feels like a living storybook. One day, travelers can wander the UNESCO-listed streets of Valletta or explore fortresses that have stood for centuries. The next, they’re sailing across turquoise bays toward the Blue Lagoon. It’s a destination that combines history, culture and relaxation in equal measure.
Malta is also home to megalithic temples older than Stonehenge and Egypt’s pyramids, making it one of the world’s most fascinating cultural crossroads. From diving shipwrecks to watching the sunset from Dingli Cliffs, every corner of Malta offers a new story to tell.
JFK: Your gateway to Sardinia and Malta
The journey begins from New York–JFK, where Delta One customers can enjoy the Delta One Lounge at JFK before takeoff—its tranquil space, gourmet dining, premium beverages and attentive service sets the tone for what‘s ahead.
From there, customers will have their choice of these two Mediterranean options on the Boeing 767-300ER, with service to Sardinia (OLB) beginning May 20, 2026, operating four times weekly, and service to Malta (MLA) beginning June 7, 2026, with three weekly flights.
On both routes, customers will enjoy four product experiences: Delta One, Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort and Delta Main. Delta One customers enjoy lie-flat seats, chef-curated meals and exclusive Missoni-designed amenities, paired with Taittinger champagne. Across all products, customers benefit from curated dining and Delta Studio entertainment, and SkyMiles members can enjoy fast, free Delta Sync Wi-Fi presented by T-Mobile.
With Sardinia joining the schedule in summer 2026, Delta strengthens its leading position as the largest U.S. carrier to Italy, where it already serves Rome, Milan, Venice, Naples and Catania, while also adding Malta as a new gateway to the Mediterranean.
For more information, visit www.delta.com.
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