New York–Olbia Nonstop Flight: 3,673 Passengers in August
The Delta New York–Olbia flight recorded 3,673 passengers traveling from New York–JFK to Sardinia in August 2026, the highest monthly total since the nonstop service launched in May.
Of those passengers, 3,249 were U.S. citizens, representing 88.5% of everyone traveling nonstop from New York to Olbia during the month.
The figures come from the U.S. International Air Travel Statistics (I-92/APIS), an official U.S. government passenger database, and were independently analyzed by The Sardinia Guide.
For this analysis, The Sardinia Guide selected commercial passenger traffic between New York–JFK (JFK) and Olbia (OLB) and excluded general aviation. Delta operated the only nonstop commercial passenger service between New York and Olbia during the period analyzed.
No passenger figures used in this analysis were provided by Delta Air Lines, Olbia Airport or New York–JFK.
August Was the Busiest Month From New York to Olbia
August recorded 3,673 passengers traveling nonstop from New York to Olbia, surpassing the previous monthly high of 3,512 passengers in June.
The passenger figures since the route launched are:
| Month | JFK → Olbia passengers | U.S. citizens | U.S. share |
|---|---|---|---|
| May* | 1,128 | 1,051 | 93.2% |
| June | 3,512 | 3,139 | 89.4% |
| July | 3,197 | 2,901 | 90.7% |
| August | 3,673 | 3,249 | 88.5% |
*May was a partial operating month.
August therefore became the busiest month of the New York–Olbia service so far by passenger volume.
For schedules, operating dates and route information, see our complete guide to Delta’s nonstop flights to Sardinia.
Nearly 9 in 10 Passengers Were U.S. Citizens
The citizenship data provide a particularly clear picture of the American presence on the route.
Of the 3,673 passengers traveling nonstop from New York to Olbia in August, 3,249 were U.S. citizens and 424 were non-U.S. citizens.
That puts the U.S. share at 88.5%.
In other words, nearly nine out of every ten passengers traveling from New York to Sardinia in August were U.S. citizens.
The distinction is important. I-92/APIS identifies passenger citizenship, but it does not establish the purpose of each trip. For that reason, The Sardinia Guide refers to these travelers as U.S. citizens or American passengers, rather than automatically classifying them as tourists.
For a broader look at direct air access from the United States, see our main Flights to Sardinia guide.
7,381 Passenger Movements Between New York and Olbia
Traffic was also substantial in the opposite direction.
In August, 3,708 passengers traveled from Olbia to New York, compared with 3,673 traveling from New York to Olbia.
Together, the two directions generated 7,381 passenger movements during the month.
Passenger movements should not be interpreted as unique travelers. A passenger flying from New York to Sardinia and later returning to New York may appear once in each direction.
For our earlier analysis of the route, read The Sardinia Guide’s JFK-to-Sardinia passenger data report.
American Passenger Numbers Remained High in August
August recorded the highest New York–Olbia passenger volume since the route launched, while U.S. citizens continued to account for the large majority of passengers traveling toward Sardinia.
The 3,249 U.S. citizens recorded in August bring the cumulative number of American passengers traveling nonstop from New York to Olbia between May and August to 10,340.
Across those four months, 11,510 passengers traveled from JFK to Olbia, meaning 89.8% were U.S. citizens.
The figures provide a measurable indication of the scale of the American market using the new nonstop connection to Sardinia.
Delta Flights Continue in September and October
August is not the end of Delta’s 2026 Sardinia season.
The nonstop New York–Olbia service continues through September and October 2026, extending direct access to Sardinia beyond the peak summer months.
American travelers considering a trip later in the season can check operating dates and schedules in our Delta Sardinia nonstop flight guide.
Delta Returns in 2027, With United Joining From Newark
Direct service between the New York area and Sardinia is scheduled to expand again in 2027.
Delta will return with its JFK–Olbia service in May 2027, while United Airlines will add a new seasonal Newark–Olbia connection.
That will give travelers in the New York metropolitan area two nonstop gateways to Olbia: JFK with Delta and Newark with United.
Read our report on United’s New York–Olbia flight to Sardinia
The Bottom Line
The Delta New York–Olbia flight recorded 3,673 passengers traveling to Sardinia in August 2026, the highest monthly total since the service began.
Of those passengers, 3,249 were U.S. citizens, representing 88.5% of passengers traveling nonstop from New York to Olbia.
The figures come from official U.S. International Air Travel Statistics (I-92/APIS) and were independently analyzed by The Sardinia Guide.
Delta service continues through September and October 2026 and is scheduled to return in May 2027, when United will also add nonstop service between Newark and Olbia.
FAQ
How many passengers flew from New York to Olbia in August 2026?
3,673 passengers traveled nonstop from New York–JFK to Olbia.
How many were U.S. citizens?
3,249 were U.S. citizens, representing 88.5% of passengers traveling from New York to Olbia.
Is Delta the only nonstop flight from New York to Olbia?
During the period analyzed, Delta operated the only nonstop commercial passenger service between New York–JFK and Olbia.
Where do the passenger numbers come from?
They come from official U.S. government I-92/APIS international air travel statistics, independently analyzed by The Sardinia Guide.
Did Delta or the airports provide these passenger figures?
No. No passenger figures used in the analysis were provided by Delta Air Lines, Olbia Airport or New York–JFK.
Does Delta fly to Sardinia after August?
Yes. The New York–Olbia service continues through September and October 2026.
What changes in 2027?
Delta is scheduled to return in May 2027, while United will add a seasonal Newark–Olbia service.
Data & Methodology
The Sardinia Guide independently analyzed official U.S. International Air Travel Statistics (I-92/APIS) for May through August 2026. The I-92 program is jointly operated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Travel and Tourism Office and is based on APIS flight-manifest data submitted by carriers serving the United States. For this analysis, The Sardinia Guide selected nonstop commercial passenger traffic between New York–JFK (JFK) and Olbia (OLB) and excluded general aviation. I-92 reports nonstop point-to-point segment traffic and distinguishes U.S. citizens from non-U.S. citizens. According to NTTO, I-92 passenger totals may include crew and non-revenue passengers and should not be interpreted as a direct measure of destination visitation. No passenger figures used in this analysis were provided by Delta Air Lines, Olbia Airport or New York–JFK. Data accessed September 16, 2026.
