US airline Delta has announced it will start operating direct flights from New York to Sardinia next year, after travellers voted it their favourite Mediterranean destination over Ibiza and Malta. AdvertisementThe Italian island beat out the competition in Delta’s Race Route survey, with members of the carrier’s SkyMiles loyalty program picking it as their top choice. Delta's upcoming service will be the first nonstop connection between the US and Sardinia, marking a key victory for the managers of Olbia’s airport, who have been working towards this goal for several years, according to Corriere della Sera. Advertisement“This is a tremendous achievement for Sardinia, which will be connected for the first time with a scheduled transatlantic flight," he added. Tickets are already available from Delta's website and other third party sellers, with the airline advertising time-limited introductory deals.