Debuting at Porto airport, this service will be operated by Delta Air Lines, establishing the first-ever daily non-stop connection between the city and New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), a leading international hub in the USA.

The new route, as reported by Negócios, comes as Porto continues to reinforce its position as both an international tourism destination and a business centre, while consolidating its strategic importance in transatlantic travel. This daily service linking Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport and JFK will not only bring northern Portugal closer to the US East Coast, but also provide Portuguese passengers with more accessibility to Delta’s extensive domestic and international network operating out of New York.

International recognition

According to Turismo de Porto e Norte de Portugal, Delta’s decision reflects the growing international recognition of both the city and the region.

The tourism body added that the airline has identified Porto as one of Europe’s “most iconic and promising cities” in its spring and summer travel offerings, highlighting the region’s increasing appeal among American tourists and investors.

This launch also emerges amid rising demand for travel between Portugal and the United States, particularly from American visitors seeking alternatives to Europe’s more traditional tourist destinations. Porto has benefited from this trend due to its renowned gastronomy and cultural scene, flourishing wine tourism sector, and the expansion of hotel capacity across northern Portugal.

Apart from tourism, the new daily route is seen as a strategic boost for the region’s business community, improving access to North American markets and facilitating corporate travel, investment and commercial mobility between Portuguese and international companies.

This service is also expected to strengthen Porto Airport’s competitiveness within the Iberian market, moving it further as other major European Airports already offer multiple regular routes to the United States.