Delta Bolsters Hawaii Offensive: New Routes from Minneapolis and Boston for Winter 2026/27

Delta Air Lines is doubling down on its commitment to Hawaii with a strategic expansion that combines new routes, the return of long-haul links, and capacity increases in key markets. Starting December 19, 2026, the airline will launch a new service between Minneapolis–St. Paul and Maui and will reactivate the Boston–Honolulu route. This move is part of what the carrier describes as its most robust seasonal schedule to date toward the archipelago.

New and Reactivated: More Direct Connectivity to the Islands

Minneapolis–Maui: An Unprecedented Connection

Delta will inaugurate a nonstop service between Minneapolis–St. Paul and Maui, creating a direct link between the Upper Midwest and one of the most popular vacation destinations in the Pacific.

– Start Date: December 19, 2026.

– Frequency:

• Daily during peak periods (Christmas and Spring Break).

• Five weekly flights during the core of the winter season.

– Aircraft: Airbus A330-300.

Boston–Honolulu: The Return of the Long-Haul Transcontinental Link

Delta is also reintroducing nonstop service between Boston and Honolulu, restoring direct connectivity between New England and Oahu.

– Start Date: December 19, 2026.

– Frequency:

• Daily during the late December peak.

• Four weekly flights during the remainder of the winter season.

– Aircraft: Airbus A330-300.

The return of this route strengthens Delta’s presence in Boston, where the airline positions itself as a leading global operator.

→ Delta Bets on Dreamliner: Orders Up to 60 787-10s to Modernize Its Long-Haul Fleet

A Premium Experience as a Competitive Edge

The new operations and the rest of the Hawaii network will be operated, depending on the market, with Airbus A330-300 or Boeing 767-300 aircraft. Both are configured with multiple cabins:

• Delta One: Featuring full-flat seats, chef-curated catering, and amenities designed by Missoni.

• Delta Premium Select.

• Delta Comfort+.

• Delta Main Cabin.

On the ground, Delta leverages the strength of its hubs:

• In Boston: Passengers have access to the Delta One Lounge featuring fine dining and three award-winning Delta Sky Clubs.

• In Minneapolis–St. Paul: The airline offers three Sky Clubs, including its newest lounge with a capacity for over 450 passengers and an outdoor Sky Deck.

Both airports also offer Delta One Check-In and TSA PreCheck Touchless ID for eligible customers, aiming for a smoother experience at the point of origin. Onboard connectivity is also a competitive factor: SkyMiles members have access to fast, free Delta Sync Wi-Fi presented by T-Mobile on Hawaii routes from the United States.

Capacity Increases and Strategic Network Adjustments

Beyond the two flagship routes, Delta is introducing significant modifications to its schedule:

Atlanta – Honolulu
– Second frequency
– Three times per week
– From January 4, 2027, until March
– Airbus A330-300

Detroit– Honolulu
– From three weekly frequencies to daily service
– From November 9, 2026
– Airbus A330-300

New York-JFK – Honolulu
– From up to five flights per week to daily service
– From April 1, 2026
– Boeing 767-300

Salt Lake City – Kona
– Daily service
– From November 9, 2026
– Boeing 767-300
– Earlier start than previous season

Los Angeles – Kona
– Change of aircraft to Boeing 767-300 for winter season
– From November 9, 2026

These adjustments show a clear focus on the winter peak, with special attention to strategic hubs like Atlanta, Detroit, and New York-JFK. The combination of increased frequencies and wide-body aircraft boosts both seat capacity and premium cabin availability.

According to Amy Martin, Delta’s Vice President of Network Planning, Hawaii plays a key role within its long-haul leisure network. The expansion aims to reinforce connectivity from major U.S. hubs and offer more nonstop travel options.

Commercial Complement: Delta Vacations

The offensive is further supported by integration with Delta Vacations, allowing customers to combine flights with selected hotels, transfers, and activities, thereby consolidating value capture throughout the entire travel chain.

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