Delta Air Lines has announced the introduction of 17 new international routes that will launch in the final quarter of 2025. This expansion aims to enhance connectivity for travelers and includes both new and reintroduced services. Notably, none of these routes have been operational since 2021, marking a significant shift in Delta’s global network strategy.
Of the 17 additions, five are long-haul routes, predominantly departing from Delta’s largest hub in Atlanta, the world’s busiest airport by passenger traffic. These long-haul expansions include two routes to Africa, solidifying Delta’s status as the leading US carrier to the continent.
New Long-Haul Routes to Africa and Europe
Delta’s long-haul services feature a diverse range of destinations. The most intriguing addition is the route from Atlanta to Marrakech, which will operate primarily three times weekly, increasing to daily during peak holiday periods. This marks Delta’s first service to Morocco, making it the second US airline to offer flights to Marrakech, following United Airlines. The city is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and tourism appeal.
Another notable route is Atlanta to Berlin, which will be available for a limited time, catering specifically to fans attending an NFL game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Indianapolis Colts on November 9. This route raises questions about its viability as a regular offering beyond the event.
Additional long-haul routes include:
– **Atlanta to Accra**: Daily service, previously operated between 2010 and 2012.
– **Los Angeles to Melbourne**: Three weekly flights, marking Delta’s inaugural service to this Australian city.
– **Salt Lake City to Lima**: Daily flights, representing the first South American route from Utah.
Short-Haul Routes Focused on the Caribbean and Central America
In addition to the long-haul routes, Delta is launching 12 short-haul services, all beginning on December 20, 2025. These routes are strategically timed for the holiday travel season, with many previously served before the pandemic.
Among these short-haul routes is a weekly service from New York JFK to Grand Cayman, which has not been available for nine years. This route competes directly with offerings from Cayman Airways and JetBlue, and is expected to be popular among vacationers.
The new routes include:
– **Austin to Cancun**: Daily flights.
– **Atlanta to Grenada**: Daily flights, previously operated from 2015 to 2020.
– **Detroit to Liberia**: Weekly service to Costa Rica, a popular travel destination known for its beaches and rainforests.
– **Indianapolis to Cancun**: Weekly flights, previously operational until 2020.
Delta’s expansion to Cancun is particularly noteworthy, as the airline will increase its service to this popular resort destination from four cities: Austin, Indianapolis, Kansas City, and Nashville. The company plans to conduct 186 departures to Cancun between December 20 and 26, with a peak of up to 30 daily services. This increase in capacity reflects Delta’s growing share of the US-Cancun market, which has risen from 17% to 19%.
As Delta Air Lines continues to adapt to changing travel demands, these new routes signal a robust approach to re-establishing its international presence and catering to the increasing appetite for travel after the pandemic.