Delta Air Lines officially inaugurated its new daily direct route between Porto and New York (JFK), marking another important milestone for the international connectivity of Porto and the North of Portugal.

The inaugural flight departed from Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport, aboard a Boeing 767-300, with the launch celebrated through an official ceremony attended by key representatives from the tourism and aviation sectors, including Hugo Espírito Santo, Secretary of State for Transport; Luís Pedro Martins, President of Porto and North of Portugal - Convention & Visitors Bureau; Thierry Ligonnière, CEO of ANA - Aeroportos de Portugal; Francisco Pita, Board Member of ANA; Rui Alves, Director of Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport; Karen Strougo, Chief Commercial Officer of ANA; and Paul Hassenstab, Director EMEAI Sales at Delta Air Lines.

The United States is currently the second largest international market for Porto and the North of Portugal, with around 147K overnight stays recorded in the first quarter of 2026, representing a 7.3% increase compared to the same period last year.

With this new connection, Porto and the North of Portugal now benefit from three direct daily routes to New York, reinforcing the region’s position as an increasingly accessible destination for North American travellers and business events alike.