Searching for inspiration for your 2026 euro summer in Italy? If Rome feels a bit too bustling and the crowds of the Amalfi Coast aren’t your scene, consider seeking out somewhere a little more relaxed and refreshingly off the beaten path.
Fortunately, Delta just announced it will introduce the first nonstop route from the U.S. to Sardinia—Italy’s remote island, praised for its untouched beaches and uniqueness—this spring!
Previously, New Yorkers had to have a layover in cities like Rome or Milan to reach the beautiful island paradise. Now, travelers can get there in just over eight hours!
Sardinia boasts over 1,000 miles of coastline, making it the second largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. In fact, the island is so diverse, some even call it a ‘micro-continent’ for its rich ecosystem. If that’s not enticing enough to make you hit purchase, Sardinia is also one of the world’s five official Blue Zones, where people frequently live past the age of 100.
So whether the goal is to pick up a few secrets of long life or simply to take in the traditions and landscapes, a trip to Sardinia promises all of that in one.
Delta may have just pulled its 34-year-old transatlantic route, but it’s making up for it by giving customers two exciting new getaways.
Both new routes (one being Sardinia) were actually decided upon by Delta SkyMiles Members. Delta hosted its first-ever Route Race, a five-day voting event where nearly 150,000 fliers helped decide the airline’s next European destination to join its network. In the end, Sardinia and Malta landed on top, both routes launching in spring/summer 2026.
“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.” said Paul Baldoni, senior vice president network planning. “We can now say that our network is not just built for our most loyal customers, but by them.”
New York (JFK) to Sardinia (OLB) will take its inaugural flight on May 20th, 2026. The flight route will be available four times per week.
Silvio Pippobello, CEO of Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport (Geasar S.p.A.), said:
With this flight, Sardinia takes a significant step forward, establishing itself on the global stage and opening new opportunities for tourism and economic growth. At the same time, Sardinian residents will have the chance to fly directly to the United States, strengthening the bond between our community and one of the most relevant international markets.
See Delta’s limited-time, introductory deals for the new flight route on Delta.com and say “Ciao!” to 2026 summer travel!
