Last month, Delta Air Lines invited its SkyMiles members to help choose the carrier’s next international route. The results are now in and the carrier is adding not one, but two new international routes based on the voting of passengers and crew.
Delta Allowed Passengers and Crew to Vote for Their Choice
Delta allowed passengers to make their voices heard via the Fly Delta app. Crewmembers also had the opportunity to get in on the fun. The voting pool was limited, as the airline only made three destinations available to choose from. The descriptions they provided for each are below.
- Sardinia, Italy: For customers who love a slower pace but still want adventure, Sardinia is the ultimate mix. Days here can start with a hike along rugged cliffs, move to a hidden swim, and end with fresh pasta and local wine in a seaside village. It’s a place where natural beauty, history, and food all share the spotlight.
- Malta: Perfect for customers who want their trip to feel like a story, Malta blends centuries of history with sunny Mediterranean charm. One day you might wander ancient fortresses or UNESCO-listed streets, the next you’re on a boat headed for turquoise bays. It’s a destination for those who want culture, scenery, and relaxation all in one place.
- Ibiza, Spain: For customers who love a destination that comes alive after dark, Ibiza is a global capital of nightlife with world-famous DJs, beach parties, and sunset-to-sunrise energy. But the island also knows how to slow things down with hidden coves, laid-back beach bars, and day trips to nearby Formentera for a quieter balance. It’s perfect for those who want their trip to be equal parts relaxation and revelry.
The promotion, which was dubbed Route Race, has since closed and we now know the results of the voting.
Delta is Adding Flights to Malta and Sardinia
After the votes were tallied there was not one, but two winners. According to the airline, SkyMiles members chose Sardinia while employees went with Malta. Instead of moving to some sort of tiebreaker, the airline has decided that both routes will be added to its route network in Summer 2026. Both flights will operate from Delta’s hub at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK).
Paul Baldoni, Senior Vice President of Network Planning at Delta, said this about the new routes:
“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. We can now say that our network is not just built for our most loyal customers, but by them.”
Delta will use Boeing 767-300ER aircraft on both routes. Flights to Sardinia (OLB) will operate 4x weekly, beginning May 20, 2026. Flights to Malta (MLA) will launch June 7, 2026, operating 3x weekly.
Flights are currently expected to operate on the following schedules:
| Flight | Departs | Arrives | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| DL216 (JFK-OLB) | 6:25p | 9:00a (+1) | Mon./Wed./Fri./Sun. |
| DL217 (OLB-JFK) | 11:00a | 2:35p | Mon./Tues./Thur./Sat. |
| DL148 (JFK-MLA) | 5:00p | 8:20a (+1) | Wed./Fri./Sun. |
| DL149 (MLA-JFK) | 10:20a | 2:50p | Mon./Thur./Sat. |
In celebration of the new service, Delta is currently offering introductory deals on both flights for a limited time.
Summary
Delta Air Lines has just announced its two newest international routes. The carrier will begin flying from New York-JFK to both Sardinia and Malta, for Summer 2026. These new routes are unique in the fact that they were selected by the airline’s passengers and crew.