News Summary
Delta Air Lines is set to begin daily nonstop flights from New York’s JFK to Porto Airport in Portugal starting May 21, as part of its expansion strategy in Europe. This addition, featuring Boeing 767-300 aircraft and multiple cabin options, marks the first direct service between these cities. Delta’s plans include several new routes in Europe, catering to a growing interest in international travel to Porto, reflecting its rising status as a travel destination.
New York City
Delta Air Lines will initiate daily nonstop flights from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Porto Airport (OPO) in Portugal, commencing on May 21, 2026. This service will be the first direct flights offered by Delta between these two locations.
The introduction of the Porto route is part of Delta’s extensive expansion strategy across Europe, which will see the launch of seven new European routes in summer 2026. Alongside Porto, Delta plans to begin nonstop flights from JFK to Sardinia on May 20, 2026, and to Malta starting on June 7, 2026.
Aircraft and Amenities
The Porto flights will utilize Boeing 767-300 aircraft, which will be equipped with four distinct classes: Delta One (business class), Premium Select, Comfort Plus, and Main Cabin. The fleet will include a total of 26 lie-flat Delta One suites, 18 recliner-style Delta Premium Select seats, 21 extra-legroom Comfort Plus seats, and 151 standard Main Cabin seats.
Service Expansion
In addition to the new Porto route, Delta will enhance its service offerings from Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) to Madrid and Nice, increase its flights to Barcelona and Milan, and introduce new nonstop routes from Seattle to Barcelona and Rome in summer 2026.
Tourism and Travel Trends
The launch of the Porto route aligns with a significant surge in international tourism to the city, which has witnessed a more than double increase in visitors since 2019. This is a reflection of Porto’s growing stature as a desirable travel destination, a sentiment echoed by local authorities.
Currently, United Airlines operates seasonal service to Porto from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). Delta’s expansion marks a pivotal change in the transatlantic travel landscape, keeping in line with an upward trend in flight offerings between the U.S. and Portugal.
Future Operations
As Delta expands, it will also be reducing its services by discontinuing operations on the Geneva route in 2026, following previous route eliminations, including services to London Gatwick and Brussels. This shift underscores Delta’s strategy to better align its network with emerging travel demand and enrich its presence in key markets.
The Senior Vice President of Network Planning at Delta has stated the company’s aim to broaden its travel options while enhancing JFK’s role as a primary global gateway.
As travel restrictions continue to ease and international travel recovers, Delta’s new flights to Porto will likely cater to growing passenger interest in exploring new European destinations. With Delta’s increasing commitment to expanding its routes, travelers can expect improved connectivity and more choices when planning their journeys to and from Portugal.
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Additional Resources
- Delta News: New York to Porto
- Wikipedia: New York City
- USA Today: Delta to Porto
- Google Search: Delta Air Lines
- The Points Guy: Delta’s New Route to Porto
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Portugal
- Simple Flying: JFK to Porto Flights
- Google News: Delta Air Lines Porto
Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK WRITER
NEW YORK STAFF WRITER The NEW YORK STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewYork.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New York, the five boroughs, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as New York Fashion Week, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Tribeca Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce and United Way of New York, plus leading businesses in finance and media that power the local economy such as JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Bloomberg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBuffalo.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into New York's dynamic landscape.
