NYC gets first non-stop flight to famed ‘Blue Zone’ — where people live to over 100

If only vacation could last over 100 years.

For the first time ever, this time next year, New Yorkers will be able to fly Delta Airlines non-stop to one of the world’s most beautiful and healthiest destinations — Sardinia, Italy.

Starting May 2026, the route will operate four times weekly with flights departing from New York’s JFK Airport starting May 20, 2026, and is the first of its kind from the U.S. to the island.

Known globally as one of the five “Blue Zones,” Sardinia is a stunning island famed for its residents’ extraordinary longevity, with many living well past 100 years — thanks to a lifestyle centered on natural foods, daily activity and tight-knit communities.

This historic new route marks a significant moment not only for Delta, but also for travelers looking to explore off-the-beaten-path Mediterranean gems.

This new route strengthens Delta’s position as the largest U.S. carrier to Italy, already serving cities like Rome, Milan, Venice, Naples and Catania.

“With this flight, Sardinia takes a significant step forward, establishing itself on the global stage and opening new opportunities for tourism and economic growth. At the same time, Sardinian residents will have the chance to fly directly to the United States, strengthening the bond between our community and one of the most relevant international markets,” Silvio Pippobello, CEO of Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport, said in a statement.

This new non-stop flight comes almost two years after Sardinia tried enticing Americans to move there by offering real estate for as little as $1.06.

Yes, you read that correctly.

This attempt came shortly after President Trump’s 2024 presidential election win, where the village jumped on the opportunity to offer its picturesque island as a potential place for Americans to live, if they wanted to flee their country.

“Are you worned [sic] out by global politics?” a website for the town wrote.

“Looking to embrace a more balanced lifestyle while securing new opportunities? It’s time to start building your European escape in the stunning paradise of Sardinia.”

And it sounds like a fabulous place to live if someone is planning on kissing America goodbye.

While Sardinia’s dramatic cliffs, turquoise coves and ancient ruins are enough to captivate any traveler, it’s the island’s Blue Zone status that sets it apart.

From handmade pasta under the stars to hiking ancient footpaths, Sardinia offers a lifestyle — and now, a travel experience — that’s all about well-being, aligning with the rise of wellness travel.