Delta invites customers to vote on next nonstop European destination for summer 2026

The three proposed destinations have not previously had direct flights from the United States. Ibiza is known for its nightlife but also offers quieter beaches and nearby islands like Formentera. Malta features historical sites alongside Mediterranean scenery. Sardinia, with Olbia as the proposed airport, offers beaches and historical attractions; Olbia Airport handled about 3 million passengers last year.

Ibiza and Malta each saw around 9 million passengers last year, mainly short-haul travelers from Europe. Ryanair operates more than 70 routes to Malta and over 30 to Ibiza.

Delta’s move comes amid competition with United Airlines for new Mediterranean routes. Both airlines have expanded service in recent years beyond traditional Southern European cities such as Athens, Barcelona, Nice, Rome, and Venice. United now flies from Newark to additional destinations including Palermo in Sicily—added this year—and has increased service on some existing routes like Naples.

Delta currently serves Naples from both Atlanta and New York JFK hubs and recently added Catania as another Sicilian destination for 2025. American Airlines has not matched this expansion due to retiring several widebody aircraft types during the pandemic.

Both Delta and United primarily use older widebody jets such as Boeing 767s or Airbus A330-200s on these seasonal Mediterranean routes while reserving newer aircraft like A350s or Boeing 787s for higher-demand transatlantic services.

The outcome of Delta’s Route Race will determine which entirely new leisure route US travelers can expect beginning in summer 2026.