Delta cuts 6 routes, resumes 6 others in latest network update
This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit this page.
Delta just became the latest airline to tweak its route map due to the pandemic.
The Atlanta-based carrier is cutting six routes and resuming six others, in a move that’s seemingly designed to weed out poor performers while boosting service to popular, outdoor-friendly destinations.
The six routes getting axed each touch one of Delta’s hubs. With four cuts, Minneapolis−St. Paul is the biggest loser. Atlanta and Detroit each lose one line on the route map.
The full list of cuts includes,
- Atlanta (ATL) — Oakland (OAK)
- Detroit (DTW) — Little Rock (LIT)
- Minneapolis−St. Paul (MSP) — Norfolk (ORF)
- Minneapolis−St. Paul (MSP) — Rochester (ROC)
- Minneapolis−St. Paul (MSP) — Aruba (AUA)
- Minneapolis−St. Paul (MSP) — St. Thomas (STT)
Stay up-to-date on airline and aviation news by signing up for our brand-new aviation newsletter.
In 2019, both the Atlanta and Detroit flights ranked in the bottom quartile of estimated profitability compared to all other routes from the respective hubs, according to Department of Transportation data analyzed by Cirium. The MSP flights landed in the bottom 50%.
As for Aruba and St. Thomas, those flights have historically operated seasonally during the winter. It’s possible that Delta may resume them in December 2022, depending on demand trends and other factors at play.
Southwest Airlines will fill Delta’s gap on the nonstop Atlanta to Oakland route. The other three mainland domestic routes will remain unserved by any commercial airline.
Delta will continue serving each outstation from its other hubs, giving local flyers plenty of one-stop itineraries. In explaining the cuts to TPG, Delta said that,
These schedule adjustments continue to reflect Delta’s response to demand and dynamics driven by the ongoing pandemic. The markets continue to be accessible via other Delta hubs and we also continue to closely watch demand in these markets.
Delta is also making an assortment of temporary cuts this summer. Six of them are from New York LaGuardia (LGA), but they’re all slated to resume in early September. This includes service from LGA to Bangor (BGR), Burlington (BTV), Chattanooga (CHA), Des Moines (DSM), Lexington (LEX) and Madison (MSN).
It’s not all bad news for Delta’s route map or the New York area — the carrier is adding back six other routes. Much of the added service is aimed at capturing leisure demand.
| Origin | Destination | Adjustment |
| Detroit (DTW) | Orange County (SNA) | 1x daily from July 6 through the end of the schedule |
| Minneapolis−St. Paul (MSP) | Quad Cities (MLI) | 2x daily from June 5 through the end of the schedule |
| New York (LGA) | Martha’s Vineyard (MVY) | 2x weekly service from June 5 to Sept. 5 |
| New York (LGA) | Sarasota–Bradenton (SRQ) | 1x daily service from June 5 to Sept. 6 |
| New York-JFK | Bangor (BGR) | 2x daily service from June 5 to Sept. 6 |
| New York-JFK | West Palm Beach (PBI) | 2x daily service from June 5 to Sept. 6 |
The added New York flights come as the competition heats up in the region. American and JetBlue are teaming up to launch a host of new routes and codeshare on others, some of which will go head-to-head with Delta.
The Florida beaches and summer vacation spots like Maine’s Acadia National Park and Martha’s Vineyard have proven to be popular for both airlines and travelers.
More Delta adds: 39 new and expanded routes to 22 destinations
Many other major U.S. airlines have boosted flights to those destinations, in the hopes of capturing vacationers who are seeking socially distant, outdoor-friendly escapes.
Featured photo by Zach Griff/The Points Guy
Sign-up Successful!
Welcome to The Points Guy!
WELCOME OFFER: 100,000 Points
TPG'S BONUS VALUATION*: $2,000
CARD HIGHLIGHTS: 2X points on all travel and dining, points transferrable to over a dozen travel partners
*Bonus value is an estimated value calculated by TPG and not the card issuer. View our latest valuations here.
- Our best offer ever! Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,250 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
- Earn 2X points on dining including eligible delivery services, takeout and dining out and travel. Plus, earn 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases.
- Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. For example, 100,000 points are worth $1,250 toward travel.
- With Pay Yourself Back℠, your points are worth 25% more during the current offer when you redeem them for statement credits against existing purchases in select, rotating categories.
- Get unlimited deliveries with a $0 delivery fee and reduced service fees on eligible orders over $12 for a minimum of one year with DashPass, DoorDash's subscription service. Activate by 12/31/21.
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
- Get up to $60 back on an eligible Peloton Digital or All-Access Membership through 12/31/2021, and get full access to their workout library through the Peloton app, including cardio, running, strength, yoga, and more. Take classes using a phone, tablet, or TV. No fitness equipment is required.
Disclaimer: The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser’s responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.