Delta lets SkyMiles members choose next Mediterranean destination from three options

Traffic data shows that New York-JFK is the top U.S. market for all three destinations over the 12 months ending July 2024: Olbia saw 3,800 round-trip passengers; Malta had 13,200; and Ibiza recorded 20,000. Other notable U.S. cities include Los Angeles for Olbia (3,100), Newark and Washington for Malta (5,900 each), and Miami (8,500) and Los Angeles (8,000) for Ibiza.

Although demand is highest for Ibiza and Malta compared to Olbia, none of these routes have high levels of existing traffic. Industry observers note that subsidies may play a role in launching such niche services; local authorities often provide financial incentives to attract new air links. In Sardinia’s case, regional officials have publicly offered to cover half of airport fees for three years if a route to New York is established from Olbia.

Ibiza officials are seeking at least one weekly service from major U.S. cities like New York or Atlanta and have discussed promotional efforts to boost demand. In contrast, Maltese airport leadership indicated earlier this year that direct service to America was unlikely soon—a position now challenged by Delta’s inclusion of Malta among its options.

United Airlines has recently expanded into less-served European markets such as Palma de Mallorca and Malaga in Spain as well as other unique destinations including Nuuk (Greenland) and Ulaanbaatar (Mongolia). Delta remains the second-largest U.S.-Europe carrier after United by number of flights and seats offered across the Atlantic.

Some analysts suggest that Delta’s campaign could serve as both market research and marketing strategy—possibly resulting in more than one new route being launched if capacity allows.

“Could this be a marketing tactic, at the end of which Delta reveals new routes to all three? If it has the capacity, that could be very interesting indeed,” said Paul Hartley of Simple Flying.

Delta operates hubs at several major airports including Boston Logan International Airport; Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport; Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport; Los Angeles International Airport; Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport; New York JFK Airport; LaGuardia Airport; Salt Lake City International Airport; and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.

Founded in 1929, Delta is classified as a full-service carrier with IATA code DL and ICAO code DAL.