Travelers may be seeing double as they plan a summer getaway in 2026.
Delta Air Lines recently invited both customers and employees to vote on which island should be added to its upcoming summer travel schedule. After thousands of votes were cast, the airline announced it will be adding not one, but two new island destinations to its route map.
Delta will launch new service to Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport (OLB) in Sardinia, Italy, beginning May 20, 2026, and to Malta International Airport (MLA) in Malta starting June 7, 2026, the airline confirmed.
Known for its stunning beaches, rugged coastline, and charming historic towns, Sardinia is Italy’s second-largest island and home to upscale hotels like Belmond’s Hotel Romazzino and the Conrad Chia Laguna Sardinia. “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,” Delta shared in a press release.
Sylvain Sonnet/Getty Images
Scenic view of Valletta, Malta at dusk.
Also famous for its beaches and outdoor activities, Malta is renowned for its 300 days of sunshine, outdoor adventure, and vibrant art scene. Its capital, Valletta, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980 for its historic architecture and cultural significance.
Both new flights will depart from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), with tickets now available for purchase. Service to Sardinia will operate four times weekly, while Malta flights will operate three times weekly. Both routes will use a Boeing 767-300ER aircraft, featuring Delta’s Delta One cabin with lie-flat seats.
“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.,” Paul Baldoni, Delta’s Senior Vice President, said in a statement shared with Travel + Leisure. “We can now say that our network is not just built for our most loyal customers, but by them.”
The vote, which Delta dubbed the “Route Race,” was initially intended to select a single winner. But when results showed that most customers favored Sardinia while the majority of employees voted for Malta, Delta opted to green-light both routes.
To celebrate the expansion, the airline is offering a limited-time fare promotion, with one-way tickets starting at $1,093 to Sardinia and $1,003 to Malta, based on inaugural flight booking data.
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