Delta Air Lines is about to do something that no other airline has done before – let frequent flyers choose a new destination to add to its global network.
The Atlanta-based carrier is calling the competition its 2026 Route Race, and it will be open to all Delta SkyMiles members, as well as the airline’s employees.
There’s a choice of three destinations competing against one another for direct Delta service for the Summer 2026 season. These are Ibiza, Sardinia, and Malta.
Airline route planning, especially for international destinations, is normally an incredibly complicated process that balances predicted demand, yield, aircraft availability, flight timings, and government incentives.
It’s likely that Delta’s route planning experts have determined that any one of these three destinations could perform well as a summer seasonal route, but the airline probably only has aircraft availability to service one of these destinations.
We also know that while domestic demand is still showing signs of distress, American consumers want to spend big on long-haul travel, and Euro Summers continue to be incredibly popular.
The government of Ibiza, the Spanish island in the Balearics, has been incredibly keen to attract a non-stop flight from the United States, and it was reported earlier this year that local councillors were trying to convince United Airlines to launch service between New York and Ibiza.
For Delta’s unique competition, frequent flyers will have to be quick if they want to influence the airline’s route network, as voting will only be open for five days between August 25 and August 29.
To vote, SkyMiles members simply have to open the Delta mobile app and navigate to the Explore and Trip pages, where there will be an opportunity to cast their ballot.
“SkyMiles Members and Delta people are at the center of everything Delta does,” commented Paul Baldoni, Delta’s Senior Vice President of Network Planning.
“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,” Baldoni continued.
“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.”
