Delta Airlines Announces First-Ever Non-Stop Flights from JFK to Malta, Premiere of Peter Greenberg’s PBS Special Hidden Malta and Opening of New Malta Tourism Authority Office
The Malta Tourism Authority this week celebrated a historic milestone for Malta’s presence in North America, marked by three landmark developments: Delta Airlines’ announcement of the first-ever non-stop flights from New York (JFK) to Malta beginning Summer 2026, the U.S. premiere of Peter Greenberg’s PBS television special Hidden Malta and the official opening of the Malta Tourism Authority’s new North American office.
These achievements were commemorated by a distinguished Maltese delegation led by Ian Borg, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Godfrey Xuereb, Malta’s Ambassador to the United States, Natasha Meli-Daudey, Malta’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, together with Carlo Micallef, CEO of the Malta Tourism Authority, senior MTA officials, and representatives of Malta’s private tourism sector.
Delta Airlines announced the launch of its first direct service from JFK to Malta, commencing Summer 2026. The historic route will dramatically enhance connectivity between the United States and the Maltese Islands, positioning Malta as more accessible than ever to American travellers.
Minister Borg hailed the development as “a landmark for the Maltese Islands and for the long-standing ties between Malta and the U.S. It strengthens our tourism potential in the North American market and empowers more social, cultural, and economic collaborations between our nations.”
Carlo Micallef added: “Delta’s timely announcement is a gamechanger for Malta Tourism promotion in North America. When restarting the Malta Tourism Authority presence here 11 years ago, with Michelle Buttigieg as the MTA Representative in North America, Malta was known as the ‘Hidden Gem of the Mediterranean’. Now, especially with this first non-stop flight, it is no longer hidden to the American travel market. The interest and demand for Malta, especially from the high-end luxury traveller, as well as the young independent traveller, has grown enormously. Now Delta’s direct flight, together with the opening of the MTA office in NYC, will offer Malta new opportunities to expand our promotions in this market.”
To celebrate, Delta is offering introductory deals to both Sardinia and Malta, available now for a limited-time.
Adding to this momentum, the U.S. premiere of Peter Greenberg’s Hidden Malta on September 18 showcased the islands’ authentic and lesser-known treasures to an influential audience. MTA hosted the premiere of Hidden Malta, a new one-hour PBS television special produced and hosted by Peter Greenberg, multiple Emmy Award-winning journalist and CBS News Travel Editor.
The program highlights Malta’s authentic and lesser-known treasures, from Gozo’s salt pans and Luzzu fishing boats, to centuries-old tile-making traditions, film locations, and the nearly forgotten Maltese game of Brilli.
Greenberg shared: “I’ve been traveling to Malta for nearly 30 years, and I’m thrilled to now share some of its hidden treasures with the world. Malta is one of the capitals of great storytelling and experience.”
The show will air nationwide on PBS this fall, followed by global release on Amazon Prime, Apple TV+, and YouTube, reaching millions of viewers worldwide.
Ian Borg underscored its impact: “This is not just entertainment, it helps Malta take its rightful place on the global tourism stage.”
Micallef added: “Travelers today are seeking authenticity. By showcasing Malta’s unique stories through Peter Greenberg’s global platform, we are presenting experiences beyond the guidebooks and inviting travellers to discover Malta in new ways.”
As part of its strategy to expand its reach in the U.S., the MTA also officially opened its new North American headquarters on Friday, September 19, 2025, within Malta’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations at 244 East 48th Street, New York City.
Michelle Buttigieg, MTA’s North American Representative, remarked: “Now that MTA will have a real “VISITMALTA” space, we will be able to expand our support for our travel industry partners. We will also be able to welcome potential travellers themselves and provide them with specific information tailored to their interests, as well as host Maltese themed events.”
Together, Delta’s new direct service, the premiere of Hidden Malta the opening of the MTA’s New York office, mark a transformative moment for Malta’s visibility in North America. With greater accessibility and a permanent presence in the U.S, Malta is poised to welcome a new wave of American travellers eager to discover its history, culture, and hidden treasures.
