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Who doesn’t like it Delta?
All it takes is a flight with Frontier to confirm that Delta is as good as it can be for American travelers, regardless of destination.
Whether flying domestically or holidaying abroad, they have a huge global footprint, even bigger than my size 13 clodhoppers.
Traveling around the US is easy, but we all know that planning an international getaway takes extra time and effort, which is ultimately why many simply opt for copy-and-paste destinations like Cancun and Paris.
But that doesn’t have to be the case, especially with several groundbreaking routes Delta will launch later this year.
Our expert team here at Travel Off Path have picked our personal favorites that we really think are worth the wait – not yet another flight to Barcelona or Cabo.
Here are Delta’s 3 most exciting new international flights for 2026 (from earliest to latest launch dates):
Boston, MA ➡️ Nice, France
There are few places in Europe that live up to the word ‘paradise’ more than the French Riviera.
I know because I got my first taste of it (literally and figuratively) 2 years ago when I finally crossed Marseille off my long-standing bucket list.
Honestly, I’ve heard Nice is even better, both from a beauty and safety perspective.
This popular beach town is known for its pebble beaches along turquoise waters, its kaleidoscopic Old Town that oozes charm and history, and its French elegance without the Cannes prices. It’s definitely worth the long-haul flight.
That said, travelers are often forced to make an unwanted stopover. But Delta hopes to ease that headache for East Coasters with their new direct route from Boston.
Not only is Nice fun, but it’s also a great gateway to explore the surrounding beach floats with Antibes to the west and Monaco to the east.
New flight information:
- Boston, Massachusetts (BOS) to Nice, France (NCE)
- Frequency: 3 times a week
- Fleet: A330-300
- Launch date: May 16, 2026
New York City ➡️ Olbia, Italy
If you’ve been thinking about an Italian getaway anytime soon, chances are you’ve searched through flight deals to Rome.
As amazing and iconic as Rome may be, Italy is not a one-and-done destination.
There is so much to experience, whether you’re cruising narrow alleys on a Vespa, lazing in the sun in the Amalfi, or finally ticking Venice off your bucket list.
That said, there are also a plethora of unknown holiday destinations that will surprise you just as much, if not more.
One of them is Olbiaa beautiful port city on the paradise island of Sardinia.
Brimming with postcard-worthy coves and colorful villages, this sleepy island is one of Italy’s most delightful escapes to avoid the crowds and immerse yourself in the real Italy versus the more popular tourist traps.
Olbia in particular makes an excellent base, but a better launching pad for the dreamiest corners of Sardinia, such as the Costa Smeralda, La Maddalena, or underrated gems like Bosa.
New flight information:
- New York City (JFK) to Olbia, Italy (OLB)
- Frequency: 4 times a week
- Fleet: 767-300ER
- Launch date: May 20, 2026
New York City ➡️ Malta
Perhaps the most highly anticipated new route is Delta’s upcoming flight to Malta – America only direct flight to one of Europe’s trendiest island getaways.
The map state of Malta has been a wild Mediterranean hotspot for years, but is only now becoming more accessible for Americans to see for themselves how wonderful and reminiscent of Italy it is.
In fact, it is Malta’s first transatlantic flight in decades, making it truly groundbreaking for travelers looking to add a new stamp to their passport collection.
It consists of the main island of Malta, together with the small neighboring island of Gozo. However you split your trip, you’re destined for lively beach days, breathtaking Old World charm, and incredibly underrated cuisine, given Italy’s nearly identical tastes.
To make things easier, start with a bang! The airport is just a 15-minute drive away Vallettathe fortified capital of Malta.
New flight information:
- New York City (JFK) to Malta (MLA)
- Frequency: 3 times a week
- Fleet: 767-300ER
- Launch date: June 7, 2026
