Delta will launch nonstop flights from New York (JFK) to Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport (OLB) in Sardinia and Malta International Airport (MLA) starting in summer 2026, following a customer and employee vote.
The Route Race, involving nearly 150,000 votes, saw SkyMiles Members choose Sardinia and Delta employees select Malta, prompting the airline to serve both destinations.
Flights to Olbia begin on 20 May 2026 with four weekly services, while Malta will see three weekly flights starting 7 June 2026, both operated by Boeing 767-300ER aircraft.
Sardinia’s route strengthens Delta’s presence in Italy, complementing existing services to Rome, Milan, Venice, Naples, and Catania, while Malta marks the island’s first scheduled nonstop U.S. link.
Passengers can access Delta One amenities, including lie-flat seats and Missoni-designed kits, with flights departing from JFK’s Delta One Lounge, offering gourmet dining and spa-like facilities.
Quotes:
Paul Baldoni shared: “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.”
Silvio Pippobello shared: “With this flight, Sardinia takes a significant step forward, establishing itself on the global stage and opening new opportunities for tourism and economic growth.”
Alan Borg shared: “As the first scheduled transatlantic service from Malta operated by a U.S. carrier, this landmark development not only strengthens our route network and widens our global reach significantly, but also aligns with the Malta Tourism Authority’s long-term vision to attract quality tourism to our islands.”
Ian Borg shared: “This route empowers more social, cultural, and economic collaborations between our nations.”
