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For the first time in its history, Delta Air Lines turned over part of its route decision-making process to its SkyMiles Members and employees. The airline’s inaugural “Route Race” gave both groups the chance to vote on a new European destination to be added to Delta’s global map. Nearly 150,000 votes were cast, with SkyMiles Members favoring Sardinia and Delta employees backing Malta.

Rather than choose one, Delta announced it will launch both routes in summer 2026, with service to Sardinia beginning May 20 and Malta following on June 7.

“By bringing both Sardinia and Malta into our network, we can now say our global map is not just built for our most loyal customers, but by them,” said Paul Baldoni, Delta’s senior vice president of network planning.

A First-of-Its-Kind Vote

The “Route Race” invited SkyMiles Members and Delta employees to select from three Mediterranean contenders: Sardinia, Malta and Ibiza. Over five days of voting, Sardinia emerged as the customer favorite, while employees crowned Malta their top choice. With both ranking at the top for two of the airline’s most important communities, Delta opted to add both islands.

The initiative underscores Delta’s push to expand its transatlantic footprint. By 2026, the carrier will serve more than 300 global destinations, including six in Italy, strengthening its position as the leading U.S. airline to the country.

Two Mediterranean Gems

Sardinia offers Delta passengers a mix of rugged coastlines, turquoise waters, and historic ruins, as well as recognition as one of the world’s “Blue Zones,” regions where residents often live beyond 100 thanks to healthy lifestyles and strong community ties.

Malta, meanwhile, presents travelers with a blend of history and sunshine, from UNESCO-listed Valletta and ancient temples older than the pyramids to sailing excursions on the Blue Lagoon.

Both destinations will be served from New York-JFK on Boeing 767-300ER aircraft, offering four cabin options: Delta One, Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort, and Main Cabin.

service to Sardinia beginning May 20, 2026, operating four times weekly, and service to Malta 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, renowned for its exceptional and consistent quality. 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. An experience designed with intention making the journey as enjoyable as the destination.

Local Leaders Welcome Direct U.S. Service

Silvio Pippobello, CEO of Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport, described the new Sardinia route as a “historic and strategic milestone” for the island, opening new opportunities for both tourism and business.

Alan Borg, CEO of Malta International Airport, hailed Delta’s decision as “a landmark development,” marking the first scheduled transatlantic service from Malta by a U.S. carrier.

Malta’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Ian Borg, added that the launch “strengthens our tourism potential in the North American market” while also fostering deeper cultural and economic ties between Malta and the United States.

Introductory Offers

To mark the announcement, Delta has rolled out limited-time introductory fares to both Sardinia and Malta, available now.

The airline’s decision to turn votes into real routes underscores its strategy of customer engagement and global expansion, further cementing its competitive position in the transatlantic market.

Via Delta Air Lines