We’ve seen airlines launch all kinds of leisure oriented new routes in recent times, and often, airlines try to generate buzz surrounding these launches. Along those lines, Delta is doing something that we’ve never seen before, and it’s kind of cute…
In this post:
Should Delta fly to Ibiza, Malta, or Sardinia, in 2026?
Delta is inviting its SkyMiles members and employees to help shape the carrier’s route network, in what the company is describing as a “Route Race.” With this, SkyMiles members and Delta employees can vote on which European destination the airline will add in the summer of 2026.
From August 25-29, 2025, SkyMiles members will be able to cast their vote in the Delta app. Once voting opens, simply navigate to the Explore and Trip pages within the app, confirm your SkyMiles credentials, and cast your vote. Final results will be announced 30 days after voting closes, so that puts us into late September.
The three choices for new destinations are Ibiza (Spain), Malta, and Sardinia (Italy). Here’s how Delta describes the three destinations:
Sardinia, Italy: For customers who love a slower pace but still want adventure, Sardinia is the ultimate mix. Days here can start with a hike along rugged cliffs, move to a hidden swim, and end with fresh pasta and local wine in a seaside village. It’s a place where natural beauty, history, and food all share the spotlight.
Malta: Perfect for customers who want their trip to feel like a story, Malta blends centuries of history with sunny Mediterranean charm. One day you might wander ancient fortresses or UNESCO-listed streets, the next you’re on a boat headed for turquoise bays. It’s a destination for those who want culture, scenery, and relaxation all in one place.
Ibiza, Spain: For customers who love a destination that comes alive after dark, Ibiza is a global capital of nightlife with world-famous DJs, beach parties, and sunset-to-sunrise energy. But the island also knows how to slow things down with hidden coves, laid-back beach bars, and day trips to nearby Formentera for a quieter balance. It’s perfect for those who want their trip to be equal parts relaxation and revelry.
Here’s how Paul Baldoni, Delta’s SVP of Network Planning, describes this:
“SkyMiles Members and Delta people are at the center of everything Delta does. The Route Race is a celebration of their influence, giving our community a voice in where they want to fly next and inviting them to help shape Delta’s global network. The destinations where Delta flies are more than just dots on a map – they’re gateways to culture, connection and possibility, and this is a chance for our Members and employees to bring one of them closer.”
I think the only deceiving thing here is that Delta’s marketing photo for this shows something other than its “premium” Boeing 767-300ERs, which will almost certainly be used for this new service.
This is a fun way to engage customers & employees
Kudos to Delta, as I find this to be a creative promotion that is fun for engaging both customers and employees. We’ve seen airlines use a variety of methods to engage members with new route announcements, but I don’t remember ever seeing anything quite like this.
That being said, this is unusual:
- Typically those in airline route planning tell us where we want to fly based on the data available to them, rather than asking us where we want to fly; after all, what people say they want and how they actually act often aren’t the same
- Since the new route is expected to be announced 30 days after voting closes, Delta is essentially giving competitors a heads up as to what it’s planning to do
Regardless of which route ends up being selected, these are all really cool destinations that aren’t currently served by any US airline.
Bottom line
Delta is asking its SkyMiles members and employees to pick the carrier’s newest summer 2026 European island destination, with the choices being Ibiza, Malta, and Sardinia. Voting will be available between August 25-29, 2025, and then the route will be announced 30 days after that. This is a fun way to engage loyalty program members, though it’s certainly a bit unusual.
What do you make of Delta’s “Route Race,” and which destination do you think will end up being added?
May these be more successful than their one season attempt at a route to Croatia…
what is innovative about this compared to AA and UA is that Delta starts the process of generating excitement about new routes well ahead of the route announcements which typically take place in September.
second, the fact that DL is talking about even more new routes to southern Europe says that the huge downturn in travel hasn't materialized and DL doesn't believe it will by next year. Americans are traveling in huge numbers to Europe.
...what is innovative about this compared to AA and UA is that Delta starts the process of generating excitement about new routes well ahead of the route announcements which typically take place in September.
second, the fact that DL is talking about even more new routes to southern Europe says that the huge downturn in travel hasn't materialized and DL doesn't believe it will by next year. Americans are traveling in huge numbers to Europe.
third, there is probably a competitive dynamic at play here. AA won't do anything like this. DL could be trolling UA which can't stand to see DL announce anything - so UA will be forced to divert resources to start one or more of these routes.
fourth, the 767-300ER is not only one of the more comfortable aircraft in economy - far more so than AA and UA's 787s or 777s - but it is also very operationally capable. not only is it small enough to get into some airports - such as where AA tries to send a 789 - but also can get off the runway quickly even in heat which is common in southern Europe. The 332 and 788 are in a comparable class in terms of performance and size. There will be far fewer of these new routes possible as the 763s leave the fleet not just for DL but also for UA - and both airlines 767s are of similar age so will have to be replaced very soon.
and the configuration of the 763 doesn't matter for starting routes to any of these 3 cities because there is no competition. DL has used the 763 to start a number of new routes and then "graduated" to larger routes, esp. from BOS.
and almost half of DL's 763 fleet is being used this summer for domestic routes including to Hawaii where UA uses their domestic 777s; a 763 is a far better product than UA's domestic 777s
Thank you Tim, you never fail to impress both your fans and the trolls too with your extensive knowledge base.
Eat your hearts out all you terrible trolls …. :-)
Ibiza sounds the coolest.
Knowing Delta, they've already chosen the Italy option.
Seriously, who is gonna fall for this PR trick? No one.
Come along there Tim, the trolls are missing their opportunity to gripe at you, the rest of us await your submission with bated breath …. :-)
It's really weird how you keep talking to yourself
If you Planet, are Plain Jane the resident troll in drag, then it is you who is “Talking to yourself” you old f*rt …. :-)
Not sure why there is so much hate for the 767. For an economy pax who cares about window or aisle access, the 767 configuration is the best plane for transatlantic service. As long as the engines don't fall off mid flight, the 767 would be my first choice.
It beats the 757 3-3, the 787's 3-3-3 and the 777's 3-4-3
Only other planes that are comparable are the A330's 2-4-2 and the A350's 3-3-3 (which has wider seats than the 787)
@ jon -- You're right, in economy it's a reasonably pleasant ride (assuming there aren't maintenance issues, and the noise doesn't bother you). However, economy passengers also aren't as likely to choose a flight based on product as those in premium cabins.
As far as US airline premium cabins go, I consider Delta's 767-300ER business class to be the worst wide body, international business class offered by any US airline.
I don't have any data...
@ jon -- You're right, in economy it's a reasonably pleasant ride (assuming there aren't maintenance issues, and the noise doesn't bother you). However, economy passengers also aren't as likely to choose a flight based on product as those in premium cabins.
As far as US airline premium cabins go, I consider Delta's 767-300ER business class to be the worst wide body, international business class offered by any US airline.
I don't have any data to back this up, but I don't think there are many Delta loyalists who say "oh, I love to fly Delta because of the 767-300ERs."
I agree, if people here actually ever sat in economy. They would say the 767 is one of the best.
2-3-2 in Y and 2-2-2 in PE is about as good as you can get. 4/7 passengers get directly aisle access in Y and 4/6 in PE. That's about as good as you can get.
Very biased editorial content!
@ Julie -- I can't figure out if you're trolling or not, because your email address has the name of a certain DL "enthusiast" in it. Could you shed some light on that?
I don't care about economy. I would have to be out of my mind to fly that on international long distance.
Ibiza Please!!
What airport in Sardinia is big enough to handle a 767?
Both Cagliari and Olbia have 9,000 ft runways which are fine for a 767. The runway at Catania is under 8,000 ft and DL currently serves it from JFK. Looks like they are targeting Olbia though.
When I was at Olbia last week, there was a Qatar 747-8 there (I think that's the Qatari Royal family airplane) as well as a 787-9 from Etihad, a charter. That airport can handle a piddly 767 or whatever Delta may fly there.
I have been to Olbia region and been to Malta. Olbia is def a bit sleepy and of the 3 choices, I would be most surprised if that is the one that is picked.
Malta I LOVED! Wonderful group of islands, and increasingly popular to visit too. They do drive on the left similar to the UK, wonderful sights all around. From the 3 options, I see this one being popular.
Ibiza will of...
I have been to Olbia region and been to Malta. Olbia is def a bit sleepy and of the 3 choices, I would be most surprised if that is the one that is picked.
Malta I LOVED! Wonderful group of islands, and increasingly popular to visit too. They do drive on the left similar to the UK, wonderful sights all around. From the 3 options, I see this one being popular.
Ibiza will of course be popular too, and it is the only one I have not been to. I am not much of a late night party animal, so this could be nice to have a nonstop, but it will attract a very different vote.
To add to your “ Regardless of which route ends up being selected, these are all really cool destinations that aren’t currently served by any US airline.” comment Benjamin, DELTA would be the only Airline of this Trans Atlantic Network out of ALL SkyTeam members to serve ANY of these 3 destinations!
Yes, KL/AF lack completely in interesting destinations within Europe, Virgin … no need to mention!
DELTA has a very different approach...
To add to your “ Regardless of which route ends up being selected, these are all really cool destinations that aren’t currently served by any US airline.” comment Benjamin, DELTA would be the only Airline of this Trans Atlantic Network out of ALL SkyTeam members to serve ANY of these 3 destinations!
Yes, KL/AF lack completely in interesting destinations within Europe, Virgin … no need to mention!
DELTA has a very different approach to what UNITED did when starting it’s Newark-Palma de Mallorca, Spain (PMI) flights, as LH Group has a huge presence there too, to many countries, so passengers could use PMI as a “Hub”, DELTA is going a completely different way! Very interesting. :-o
But of course with 1 or even 3 flights a day, it might be difficult to attract a good amount of people i think? Sounds like ALL of these new places, no matter which one will be the final destination then, will be flown out of JFK?!
Sardinia and Malta to the loss of AZ connections and IBZ as a possible great connection with UX and their flights to mainland Spain or even PMI.
If i would be able to decide for DL, IBZ won the race already!
Simply because of the connections from UX.
KL&AF completely fail due to missing flights to ANY of these destinations, but who knows, maybe the French/Dutch Route planning people finally realize, that LH-Group is making the race again by destinations served, not just frequencies. :-)
Good Luck DL!
I was just in Sardinia. It was lovely. I dont want it to be further ruined by something like this. it's relatively hard to get there from the US (very little direct connectivity to US bound flights) but insanely popular with Europeans.
LH-Group airlines have a ton of connections there, to both int. airports on the Island and all connect easily to Trans Atlantic 1-stop flights!
From several airports, Munich & Frankfurt.
AZ is flying there too out of the Hub in FCO, several times a day, and often more during high season.
The trouble in your case, might have been the lack of availability?
Both Sardinia & Ibiza a high frequented destinations...
LH-Group airlines have a ton of connections there, to both int. airports on the Island and all connect easily to Trans Atlantic 1-stop flights!
From several airports, Munich & Frankfurt.
AZ is flying there too out of the Hub in FCO, several times a day, and often more during high season.
The trouble in your case, might have been the lack of availability?
Both Sardinia & Ibiza a high frequented destinations by Europeans too in the summer months, as both Islands offer different vibes to all travelers and both are usually typical summer destinations, so booking early is a MUST, i’d say, especially if you need to connect. ;-)
Nudists from all over love both destinations and also Party people going to Ibiza or people who prefer not overcrowded beaches and small villages with the laid back Italian flair of Sardinia or those who simply park their boat there in the winter time.
Sardinia has been a Hotspot for many years and since LH-Group pulled all triggers to ruin the biggest competitor (airberlin AB) to both destinations (actually all 3 destinations, CAG & OLB as well as IBZ) they are now leading the game again.
The Lufthansa flights from Olbia to Frankfurt and Munich mostly leave Olbia around 6 to 9PM. These flights arrive Frankfurt/ Munich well after all US -bound flights have left for the day. you can certainly do an overnight at either of those airports, but you wont make it back to the US on the same day.
The only airline that consistently has a same day connect to the US is Air france, with their 10:15AM...
The Lufthansa flights from Olbia to Frankfurt and Munich mostly leave Olbia around 6 to 9PM. These flights arrive Frankfurt/ Munich well after all US -bound flights have left for the day. you can certainly do an overnight at either of those airports, but you wont make it back to the US on the same day.
The only airline that consistently has a same day connect to the US is Air france, with their 10:15AM OLB-CDG flight.
British Airways has a flight to LHR daily, but only on 2/3days of the week does it attempt a connection to the US (most of the times it leaves Olbia at 9PM or so). However, we got burned by the connection and ended up at London for the night.
actually, apparently, LH does have a MUC flight some days at 12PM that can make the 4PM bank of US - bound flights from Munich, but that misses a lot. And no connectivity over Frankfurt, as Frankfurt always leaves Olbia after 6PM.
So, not great US connectivity.
AZ does NOT fly to Olbia from Rome. Aeroitalia does, and that's a different airline.
Alaska does something unique: "Innovative".
Delta does something unique: "Hah".
This is the definition of that HR meme.
@ Julie -- Not sure which meme you're referring to, but in terms of significance, I think there's a difference between letting people vote on a single route, and launching an entire new loyalty program, premium credit card, and more. But that's just me.
Sorry, what Alaska announced today is industry leading and game changing, definitely worth at least two posts. What Delta announced is good for a smile, but nothing worth more than a brief mention. And for the love, 767 country bumpkin planes....no one cares.
Do you think there could've been any other applicable tag that has a more positive or even neutral application?
You have used "Wow" or "Cool" tags for very similar topics
@ Julie -- First of all, you're more than welcome to start your own blog, where you can title posts however you'd like. ;-)
We all use words differently, and "hah" isn't intended to be an insult, or anything. Personally, I use it when something is cute or unique but insignificant. I think that perfectly fits the bill here. There's nothing "wow" about this.
Tim's S.O. or just Tim?
How about ALL of them? Plus, add in some destinations that United is already serving. These include Nuuk, Porto, Madeira, Palermo, Palma de Mallorca, and Malaga.
DL used to fly to Malaga (from 2008 to 2019; termination was announced pre-panedemic), they cut it because it was only popular enough for a 752 and they wanted to be Premium™ by only flying widebodies across the ocean.
A few thoughts.
1) This is unusual. Will they announce them all? Usually customer demand might be one input into broader decision making but there’s more sophisticated modeling they do. Could they announce them all?
2) American really needs to step up its international network. Oneworld isn’t great outside of Western Europe and American’s European routes are very lacking vs United and Delta
I wonder if there's the possibility of the announcement being, gee golly gosh, they were all so popular, we're going to do all three!
Yea I thought the same thing. Could imagine them adding all three a few days a week each instead of just one destination.
Willing to bet this is the case