Isle take two: Sardinia and Malta chosen as Delta’s newest island destinations

A first-of-its-kind Route Race

The Route Race invited SkyMiles Members and Delta people to shape the airline's network in a way no other airline has done before. Sardinia, Malta and Ibiza each lined up on the starting line, and over five days of spirited voting, nearly 150K people made their voices heard. The results were tight: SkyMiles Members gave Sardinia the edge, while Delta employees crowned Malta their favorite. With both destinations ranking at the top for two of its most important communities, Delta chose to add both to its map, turning these votes into two new summer getaways.

Sardinia: The island that blends beauty and tradition

Sardinia didn't just win the Route Race with Members, it won over imaginations. Think mornings spent hiking rugged cliffs, afternoons diving into turquoise coves, and evenings of handmade pasta paired with Cannonau wine under the stars. This is the rhythm of life that thousands voted for, and soon, it's one Delta customers can experience nonstop firsthand.

More than just stunning scenery, Sardinia is one of the world's five official Blue Zones, where people often live past 100, thanks to a lifestyle that blends good food, active living and strong community ties. It's a place where history whispers from ancient ruins, coastlines stretch for miles, and every meal feels like a celebration.

Video provided by Kristen N., Delta's Senior Manager - Marketing, who visited last year and said, "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."

Local Official Quotes

Silvio Pippobello, CEO of Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport (Geasar S.p.A.) said, "The launch of the nonstop Olbia-New York JFK route, operated by Delta Air Lines, one of the world's largest and most important carriers, marks a historic and strategic milestone for our Island. With this flight, Sardinia takes a significant step forward, establishing itself on the global stage and opening new opportunities for tourism and economic growth. At the same time, Sardinian residents will have the chance to fly directly to the United States, strengthening the bond between our community and one of the most relevant international markets. This achievement has been made possible thanks to the constant support of the Sardinia Region, aviation authorities, local administrations, as well as trade associations and all tourism stakeholders who have believed in this project throughout its more than two-year development. To Delta Air Lines, we extend our sincere appreciation for embracing this challenge, for which we assure our strongest and most concrete cooperation."

Allan Borg, CEO of Malta International Airport said, "The launch of a direct route between Malta and New York by Delta marks a historic milestone for our islands and for Malta International Airport. As the first scheduled transatlantic service from Malta operated by a US carrier, this landmark development not only strengthens our route network and widens our global reach significantly, but also aligns with the Malta Tourism Authority's long-term vision to attract quality tourism to our islands. Linking our islands directly with the Big Apple opens exciting opportunities for tourism and business between Malta and the US, while further showcasing Malta's attractiveness as a vibrant, year-round destination."

Dr. Ian Borg, Malta's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism said, "This is a landmark development for the Maltese Islands, and for the long-standing ties between Malta and the US. It strengthens our tourism potential in the North American market, to attract discerning tourists who can truly appreciate Malta's unique and authentic travel experiences. It also empowers more social, cultural and economic collaborations between our nations."