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Pack your bags and dust off that passport—Delta is adding not one but two Mediterranean gems to its route map and both are a straight shot from JFK. Starting summer 2026, the airline will launch nonstop flights to Sardinia and Malta, two islands that have long been high on travelers’ wish lists but tricky to reach without a connection.
This is no ordinary route announcement. For the first time, Delta let its SkyMiles Members and its own employees vote on the next European destination in a five-day “Route Race.” Nearly 150,000 ballots were cast, with members backing Sardinia and employees rooting for Malta. In true crowd-pleaser fashion, Delta picked both. “We can now say that our network is not just built for our most loyal customers, but by them,” said Paul Baldoni, Delta’s senior vice president of network planning.
So what awaits you once you land? Sardinia, Italy’s second-largest island, is basically a screensaver come to life: turquoise coves, rugged cliffs and villages where time seems to stand still. It’s also one of the world’s five official Blue Zones, meaning locals often live past 100 thanks to a life filled with good food, plenty of walking and strong community ties. Kristen N., a Delta marketing exec who visited last year, put it simply: “Sardinia is one of the most beautiful, relaxing places I’ve ever been. I can definitely see why it’s known as one of the rare Blue Zones.”
Meanwhile, Malta is like stepping into a living museum that just happens to be surrounded by perfect beaches. Valletta’s honey-colored streets are UNESCO-listed, megalithic temples predate the pyramids and the Blue Lagoon sparkles like something straight off a postcard. “It’s a one-of-a-kind place, with both the charm of a bustling city and the relaxing beauty of sandy beaches,” said Ben J., a Delta Cargo executive.
Flights will run on Delta’s Boeing 767-300ERs, with service to Sardinia starting May 20, 2026 (four times weekly) and Malta on June 7, 2026 (three times weekly). Expect the full range of cabins, from lie-flat Delta One suites to Main Cabin, plus Missoni-designed amenity kits and Taittinger Champagne if you’re splurging up front.
Bottom line? Come 2026, JFK becomes your gateway to pasta-filled nights in Sardinia and history-soaked days in Malta. Two islands, one airline, zero layovers.