Delta Air Lines has announced changes to its flight network, impacting several routes before their official launch. The Atlanta-based airline will not proceed with its planned flights from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Memphis International Airport (MEM) and St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL) during the winter season. This decision was initially observed in Cirium schedules and later confirmed by a Delta spokesperson.
The carrier had previously unveiled these routes in May as part of an expansion that included service from JFK to Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and from LaGuardia Airport (LGA) to Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP). The unexpected change suggests lower than anticipated demand for the JFK-Memphis and JFK-St. Louis markets.
In place of one of these canceled routes, Delta plans to introduce daily flights from JFK to Sarasota Brandenton International Airport (SRQ), starting December 20, 2025, through May 6, 2026. Initially intended only for the holiday period, this service will now cover the entire winter season and will be operated by Republic Airways, a Delta Connection affiliate.