Delta Adds New Salt Lake City-Kona Route, Expands Hawaii Flights for Winter

Delta Air Lines is expanding further into Hawaii this winter, introducing a new seasonal route from its Salt Lake City hub and increasing capacity on several existing routes, particularly during the peak holiday travel period.

The latest addition will connect Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) to Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole (KOA) on the Big Island, marking Delta’s 17th direct route between the mainland U.S. and the Aloha State.

Set to launch on December 19, the new nonstop service will run through March 28, 2026. The Atlanta-based airline will operate the route using a Boeing 767-300ER, though travelers should note that this aircraft will not include Delta’s Premium Select recliners, according to a company spokesperson.

This route will become Delta’s third direct flight to Kona, adding to existing connections from Los Angeles (LAX) and Seattle-Tacoma (SEA) on the West Coast. For Salt Lake City travelers, it provides a third gateway to Hawaii, complementing Delta’s current flights to Honolulu and Maui from the Utah capital.

Expanded Winter Service to Hawaii

In addition to the new Salt Lake City-Kona route, Delta is ramping up its Hawaii service across multiple hubs to meet increased winter demand.

• Atlanta to Maui: Delta will begin its seasonal route from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to Kahului Airport (OGG) earlier than usual, starting on November 6.
• Atlanta to Honolulu: Between December 19 and January 5, Delta will introduce a second daily flight from ATL to Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) during the holiday rush.
• Salt Lake City to Maui: Seasonal flights from Salt Lake City to Maui will also begin earlier this year, on October 6, with a second daily flight added during the peak holiday season.
• Minneapolis to Honolulu: Delta is also expanding capacity on the Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP) to Honolulu route for the winter season by upgrading its equipment. Between November 6 and March 28, the 282-seat Airbus A330-300 will replace the smaller Boeing 767-300ER, which boasts a maximum of of 226 seats. The A330-300 offers a four-cabin layout, including Delta One lie-flat suites, Premium Select, Comfort Plus, and Main Cabin seating.

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