Delta Air Lines is inviting its SkyMiles Members and employees to participate in a new initiative called Route Race, allowing them to vote on the airline’s next European destination for summer 2026. This marks the first time Delta has opened up its network planning process in this way.
Delta currently serves more than 300 destinations worldwide and recently operated its largest transatlantic schedule, including its first nonstop flight to Sicily. The Route Race gives customers and staff the opportunity to influence which Mediterranean location will be added next.
“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,” said Paul Baldoni, Senior Vice President of Network Planning. “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.”
Voting will take place from August 25-29 through the Delta app. Participants can navigate to the Explore and Trip pages within the app, confirm their SkyMiles credentials, and cast their vote for one of three Mediterranean destinations: Sardinia (Italy), Malta, or Ibiza (Spain). Each destination is represented by a Delta jet in the voting interface. Results will be announced about 30 days after voting closes.
Sardinia offers visitors scenic coastlines, ancient ruins, and local cuisine; it is also recognized as one of five “Blue Zones” globally—regions noted for longevity among residents due to lifestyle factors such as diet and activity levels.
Malta provides historic sites dating back over 5,000 years—including megalithic temples older than Egypt’s pyramids—and experiences ranging from exploring Valletta’s old town to diving shipwrecks.
Ibiza is known for its vibrant nightlife with world-famous DJs but also features quieter attractions like hidden coves and day trips to Formentera.
Delta states that SkyMiles Membership aims to provide exclusive benefits and personalized travel experiences while now offering members an active role in shaping future routes.
