For the first time ever, travelers will be able to fly nonstop between the United States and Sardinia thanks to a new seasonal route launched by Delta Air Lines. Beginning May 20, 2026, the airline will connect New York’s JFK Airport with Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport, creating a direct bridge between one of America’s busiest international gateways and one of Italy’s most exclusive Mediterranean destinations.
The new service will operate four times per week during the summer season using Boeing 767-300ER aircraft equipped with four cabin classes, including Delta One business class and Delta Premium Select. Flights departing from New York are scheduled to leave in the evening and arrive in Sardinia the following morning, while return flights from Olbia will land in New York in the afternoon after crossing the Atlantic.
The route represents a major milestone for Sardinia’s tourism industry and international visibility. Local officials described the connection as historic because it gives the island its first regularly scheduled nonstop service to the United States. The project reportedly required more than two years of planning and coordination involving regional institutions, airport authorities, tourism operators, and aviation stakeholders.
Delta already serves several Italian cities from the United States, including Rome, Milan, Venice, Naples, and Catania. With Olbia joining the network in 2026, the airline further strengthens its position as the leading U.S. carrier in the Italian market.
The launch is also expected to boost luxury tourism along the Costa Smeralda and increase the number of American visitors exploring Sardinia’s beaches, archaeological sites, culinary traditions, and renowned Blue Zone communities known for exceptional longevity.
