Over the past few years, airlines have raced to add boutique routes to their networks that help drive travelers off beaten paths. Think about it: secondary cities and islands under the radar that feel fresh to our travelers.
Delta is currently taking it a step further by planning routes for travelers at least at its summer 2026 destinations. This is a notable pivot from the usual top-down network announcements. It also highlights how carriers are chasing the demand for premium leisure.
For five days starting August 25th, travelers will be able to vote on which European islands will acquire a new US non-stop. Skymiles members and employees, known as “route races,” can vote within the Delta app at any of three destinations. The option is Sardinia, Italy. Malta; Ibiza, Spain.
“(We) invite our community to give voice to where they will fly next and shape the Delta global network,” Paul Bardoni, senior vice president of network planning, said in a statement. The final results will be announced approximately 30 days after the voting ends.
Unique movements land in the wider waves of creative cartography. This summer, Delta launched New York to Catania. Catania was not the first Sicily. United were pushed into less obvious North Atlantic regions, such as Madeira in Portugal and Nouk in Greenland.
Currently, US Gateway does not offer non-stop service to any of the three potential delta destinations. Our hope is that the Delta is along all three islands, but here is a brief overview of the candidates.
Malta
The archipelago of independent islands combines deep history with simple island hopping. Malta has both UNESCO listed streets, along with turquoise bays and picturesque beaches.
Due to its location between Italy and North Africa, its peak season is particularly long, making it ideal for visitors (and airline planners) who want to visit during the spring and fall shoulder seasons.
Most of the major European airlines serve Malta. This means connections in hub cities like London, Frankfurt and Paris. Delta added Catania to Sicily this summer. By choosing Malta, you will be able to accommodate Mediterranean travelers while avoiding overlap with another Italian island.
Ibiza, Spain
Every day, Ibiza is all rocky coves and gorgeous beaches. At night, it is the world’s capital of DJ lineups and outdoor clubs. This potential delta route has North American brand recognition and makes for a lively pick. A quiet Balearic island, Formentera, is just a few ferries (and this author’s personal favorite destination).
A short flight to Ibiza via Madrid or Barcelona is the easiest way to get to the island right now, but travelers can also take the ferry from mainland Spain.
Sardinia, Italy
Located southeastern Rome in the Mediterranean, Sardinia is known for its laidback beaches, dramatic cliff hikes and slow seaside towns. It is similar in size to Sicily in terms of region, but has 3 million fewer residents (low crowd chance: always a victory in our book).
Currently, US travelers can fly to Sardinia from major Italian cities such as Rome and Milan, from various European destinations. Ferry services also occur frequently from mainland Italy. However, its popularity is clear. Sardinia’s Alghero has seen a 110% increase in search interest this summer, according to Expedia.
