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…
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?
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