Delta adds Sardinia and Malta to Exciting Summer 2026 Lineup

Delta adds Sardinia and Malta to Exciting Summer 2026 Lineup

Delta Air Lines just proved it listens to the people—or at least the people with SkyMiles and employee badges. After hosting its very first “Route Race” vote, the airline couldn’t choose between the two winners. So, in classic “treat yourself” fashion, Delta said: Why not both?

That means come summer 2026, Americans will be able to fly nonstop from New York-JFK to Sardinia and Malta. Yes, Sardinia—the glamorous Italian island of white beaches, turquoise water, and yachts you can’t afford—and Malta, the Mediterranean’s history-soaked gem with enough fortresses to make “Game of Thrones” jealous.

When and How You’re Getting There

Delta’s first flight to Olbia, Sardinia, takes off on 20 May 2026, with four weekly services. Not to be outdone, Malta joins the party on 7 June 2026, with three weekly flights. Both routes will be operated on trusty Boeing 767-300ER aircraft, kitted out with all the comforts you need to survive the transatlantic haul.

• Delta One: lie-flat beds, premium dining, and probably a better sleep than you get at home.
• Premium Select & Comfort+: extra legroom so you can stretch without elbowing your neighbor.
• Main Cabin: still comes with free Wi-Fi, meals, and Missoni-designed amenities that will make your Instagram look like you live in Milan.
• In short: whatever your budget, you’ll feel a little bit fancier than you did boarding at JFK.

Why Sardinia? Why Malta?

Good question. The short answer: because people asked for it. Sardinia was the clear favorite among SkyMiles members, who apparently voted with their hearts (and visions of sipping Aperol Spritz on Costa Smeralda). Delta employees, meanwhile, voted for Malta. Maybe they liked its strategic Mediterranean location, or maybe they just wanted an excuse to “accidentally” spend a few extra nights on the island. Either way, Delta decided not to break anyone’s heart and went for both.

And honestly, it’s historic. These are Delta’s first-ever flights to both islands, making the airline the largest U.S. carrier to Italy and the first U.S. airline with scheduled transatlantic service to Malta. Cue the celebratory cannons and fireworks. (Malta probably already has some stockpiled, given its history.)

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What This Means for Travelers

Let’s paint a picture:

Instead of scrolling Instagram wishing you were on a yacht in Sardinia, you can actually be there. The island is basically a mix of Caribbean vibes and Italian pasta heaven—plus it’s far less crowded than Capri or the Amalfi Coast.

Malta, on the other hand, is where history buffs and sun-seekers unite. Think baroque palaces, crystal-clear bays, and UNESCO sites on every corner. Oh, and you can visit three islands for the price of one: Malta, Gozo, and Comino.

Both destinations scream “bucket list,” and now they’re just one direct flight away.

The Bigger Picture

Local leaders in both Sardinia and Malta are already calling this a game-changer. More flights mean more tourism, more economic opportunities, and more bragging rights. For Delta, it’s about expanding its Mediterranean footprint and proving once again that when it comes to Europe, they’re not here to play small.

And let’s face it: while other U.S. airlines are still debating whether to add an extra route to Paris or Rome, Delta just went full “island mode.”

The Bottom Line

Delta’s new nonstop routes to Sardinia and Malta aren’t just flights—they’re golden tickets to two of the Mediterranean’s dreamiest spots. Whether you’re a SkyMiles loyalist, an employee with impeccable taste, or just someone who’s tired of flying only to London and Paris, this move is a big win.

So, summer 2026: pack your swimsuits, your sunscreen, and your appetite. Because Delta is officially serving Sardinian beaches and Maltese sunsets—direct from New York.

The only hard part? Deciding whether you want your spritz with Italian olives or Maltese views.