Founded: 1925 (passenger flights from 1929)
Headquarters: Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Main hub: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
Delta Air Lines is one of the oldest and largest airlines in the world, and one of the US carriers serving Israel. It is consistently rated among the most reliable airlines in America for on-time performance. Here is a profile of the airline and what to know if you are flying with Delta.
Delta’s background
Delta began in 1925 as a crop-dusting company and carried its first passengers in 1929. It grew into one of the leading airlines in the United States, and its 2008 merger with Northwest Airlines made it one of the biggest airlines in the world. Delta is a founding member of the SkyTeam alliance, alongside partners such as Air France, KLM and Korean Air.
The fleet
Delta operates a large fleet of Airbus and Boeing aircraft. Long-haul routes are flown mainly by the Airbus A350 and A330neo, together with Boeing 767s, while Airbus A220s, A321s and Boeing 737s serve domestic and regional routes.
Network and hubs
Delta serves more than 300 destinations on six continents. Its home base in Atlanta is one of the busiest airports in the world, and its other major hubs include New York JFK, Detroit, Minneapolis-St Paul, Salt Lake City, Seattle, Los Angeles and Boston.
Onboard service
On long-haul flights, Delta offers its Delta One business class with lie-flat seats, Premium Select (premium economy), Comfort+ and Main Cabin economy. Most international flights include meals and free entertainment, and the airline offers free Wi-Fi on many flights for members of its SkyMiles loyalty programme.
Delta and Israel
Delta flies between New York JFK and Tel Aviv, with easy connections across its US network. It has expanded and paused its Israel operations at different times depending on demand and the security situation – see Delta’s daily New York flight and check the current schedule when booking.
Safety
Delta operates to the strict safety standards of the US Federal Aviation Administration, with highly trained crews and a well-maintained fleet.
Tips for flying Delta
- Check in online: our guide to Delta online check-in explains how it works for international flights.
- Get your ESTA: Israeli passport holders need an approved ESTA before flying – see our ESTA application guide.
- Know your fare: Basic Economy tickets have restrictions on seat selection and changes.
Heading stateside? Start with our guide to flights to the USA, and compare Delta with American Airlines. Delta’s European partners include KLM and Air France.
