ATLANTA— Delta Air Lines (DL) is expanding its network with multiple new point-to-point routes, predominantly focusing on Orlando International Airport (MCO) as a key destination. The Atlanta-based carrier will launch eight non-hub routes beginning December 20, 2025, operating seasonally through April 11, 2026.
Delta’s strategic expansion also includes five new daily domestic routes from various cities, including New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and a new connection between New York LaGuardia Airport (LGA) and Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) in Panama City Beach starting November 6.
Photo: Delta Air LinesDelta 14 New Domestic Routes
Delta’s latest route announcement represents a notable shift from its traditional hub-and-spoke approach.
Unlike typical Delta operations that funnel passengers through major hubs like Atlanta (ATL) or Detroit (DTW), these new routes provide direct connections between secondary markets and popular destinations.
The eight new point-to-point routes will operate seasonally on Saturdays using regional jets operated by Delta Connection partners, TPG reported. These routes include:
- Austin Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) to Palm Springs International Airport (PSP)
- John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) to Orlando International Airport (MCO)
- Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids (GRR) to Orlando International Airport (MCO)
- Indianapolis International Airport (IND) to Orlando International Airport (MCO)
- Kansas City International Airport (MCI) to Orlando International Airport (MCO)
- Louisville International Airport (SDF) to Orlando International Airport (MCO)
- Nashville International Airport (BNA) to Orlando International Airport (MCO)
- Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) to Orlando International Airport (MCO)
Orlando Focus and Competitive Strategy
Delta’s emphasis on Orlando routes appears strategically positioned to compete with carriers like Spirit Airlines (NK) and Southwest Airlines (WN), both of which currently dominate these markets. Of the seven new Orlando routes, Spirit operates on all except the Grand Rapids-Orlando connection, while Southwest maintains a significant presence across these markets.
This expansion comes at a time when both Spirit and Southwest are undergoing major commercial transformations, potentially creating an opportunity for Delta to capture market share. By offering direct flights to Orlando, Delta is streamlining travel to one of America’s premier vacation destinations, eliminating the need for connections through its hubs.
The Saturday-only schedule presents both opportunities and challenges. While it meets weekend travel demand, passengers booking with Delta will need to either spend a full week in Orlando, find alternative return options, or connect through a Delta hub for their return journey.
Photo: Corey Seeman Austin-Palm Springs Connection
The new Austin (AUS) to Palm Springs (PSP) route represents Delta’s continued investment in Austin as a focus city.
Starting November 8 through April 26, this seasonal Saturday service fills a market gap left when American Airlines (AA) withdrew from this route in May 2024, AirlineGeeks reported.
This addition joins Delta’s growing portfolio of routes from Austin, which recently expanded to include international destinations like Cabo San Lucas (SJD) and Cancun (CUN) in Mexico.
Other Route Expansion
Beyond the seasonal Saturday service, Delta is strengthening its network with five new daily domestic routes beginning September 8:
- Little Rock National Airport (LIT) to Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)
- Westchester County Airport in White Plains (HPN) to Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP), operated with a Bombardier CRJ-900
- New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL), operated with an Embraer E175
- New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston (IAH), operated with an Airbus A220-100
- New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Memphis International Airport (MEM), operated with an Embraer E175
Additionally, the new daily service between New York LaGuardia Airport (LGA) and Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) starting November 6 will be operated with an Embraer E175, further strengthening Delta’s presence in the New York market.
Photo: By Aero Icarus from Zürich, Switzerland – Delta Air Lines Boeing 737-800; N3746H@SLC;09.10.2011/621ai, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=26713097College Flights
Delta Air Lines is launching its largest-ever college football flight schedule, adding over 40 additional flights to help fans attend major matchups throughout the 2025 season. The expanded service will provide approximately 8,000 additional seats, making travel more convenient for football enthusiasts.
“College football is one of the great American traditions, and Delta is excited to help bring even more fans to the games that matter to them the most,” said Amy Martin, Vice President of North America Network Planning.
The airline has strategically scheduled these flights around game weekends, with most operating on Fridays and returning on Sundays to accommodate weekend travel. The expanded service covers 25 cities, including South Bend, Columbus, Austin, Knoxville, and Gainesville.
Delta’s college football service expansion supports several high-profile matchups, including LSU at Clemson, Texas at Ohio State, and multiple Notre Dame games. The additional flights complement Delta’s regular schedule, which already provides direct or single-connection service to major rivalry and conference games.
The expanded service begins in August with the LSU-Clemson and Texas-Ohio State matchups. Throughout September, Delta adds flights for Notre Dame home games against Texas A&M and Purdue, as well as the Wisconsin-Alabama contest.
October features increased service for several major games, including Texas-Florida, Michigan-USC, and Tennessee-Alabama. The expansion continues through November with additional flights for Oklahoma-Tennessee, Oregon-Iowa, and Arkansas-Texas matchups.
Featured Image by Clément Alloing | Flickr
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