Delta Air Lines has announced the introduction of new routes from New York’s JFK Airport to both Malta and Olbia in Sardinia, Italy, marking a significant expansion in its international offerings. Flights to Malta will commence on June 7, 2026, while service to Olbia is set to begin on May 20, 2026. This decision comes in response to increasing demand for travel to Southern Europe.
The airline will operate flights on the Boeing 767-300ER, a model that has become available following the discontinuation of services to London Gatwick and Brussels. Delta’s foray into Malta is particularly notable, as it will be the first US carrier to serve the destination. Historical data from the US Department of Transportation indicates that Malta has seen limited US flights since 1990, with previous carriers including Air Malta and Balkan Bulgarian Airlines.
Delta plans to operate the Malta route three times weekly, targeting a market that recorded over 90,000 passengers traveling to and from the US and Canada in the year leading up to July 2025. The route will be a direct competition for the largest market, New York City, which has consistently generated significant passenger traffic.
Service Details and Capacity
On the Malta route, Delta will deploy a 216-seat configuration of the 767-300ER. This includes 26 seats in Delta One (1-2-1 layout), 18 in Premium Select (2-2-2, with a pitch of 38 inches), 21 in Comfort+ (2-3-2, 34 inches), and 151 in the main cabin (2-3-2, 32 inches). The scheduled times for the JFK to Malta flights are as follows:
– **Wednesdays, Fridays, Sundays:** Departing at 17:00, arriving at 08:20 the following day.
– **Mondays, Thursdays, Saturdays:** Departing at 10:20, arriving at 14:50.
Conversely, flights from Malta to JFK will operate on the same days, providing convenient options for travelers.
The Olbia route, on the other hand, is a new venture as Sardinia has not had direct flights to the US previously. Delta will operate four flights weekly on the same aircraft model, capitalizing on the region’s appeal to US travelers. Prior booking data shows that Sardinian airports collectively welcomed around 65,000 passengers from the US and Canada, with New York City accounting for a significant portion of that traffic.
The average fare for the JFK to Olbia route is approximately $1,720 each way, reflecting a lucrative market for Delta as it seeks to stimulate demand through promotional efforts.
Market Trends and Strategic Expansion
Delta’s expansion aligns with a broader trend among airlines to explore new destinations and capitalize on post-pandemic travel demand. The airline’s cautious approach contrasts with that of competitors like United Airlines, which has aggressively added routes to various European destinations.
Since the pandemic, Delta has introduced new routes, including Naples in 2024 and Catania in 2025, while also briefly serving Dubrovnik in 2021. The decision to add Malta and Olbia reflects Delta’s strategy to enhance its network and cater to leisure travelers, who are increasingly seeking diverse travel options.
As Delta Air Lines continues to expand its international presence, the new routes to Malta and Olbia exemplify the growing interest in Southern European travel and the airline’s commitment to meeting evolving passenger demands.
