Valencia Pushes for Direct Flight to New York with Delta Air Lines

The possibility of a direct flight from Valencia to New York is gaining momentum as the regional government intensifies talks with Delta Air Lines. The primary focus is to establish a transatlantic connection between Valencia’s Manises Airport and the U.S., positioning the city as a major gateway for international travel.

According to the Valencian regional tourism department, led by Marian Cano, a delegation traveled this week to New York and Atlanta with a mission: to present a strong case for Delta to choose Valencia over other competing Spanish cities. While Alicante-Elche Airport was previously in the running, attention has now decisively shifted toward Valencia.

Delta Air Lines and the Manises Opportunity

Delta is no stranger to Valencia. Between 2009 and 2012, the airline operated a regular transatlantic service connecting the city to the U.S. This was originally launched during the America’s Cup era but ended due to profitability concerns. Now, nearly a decade later, renewed talks aim to revive that crucial link.

This week, Juan José Cortés, Director General of Innovation, is leading the meeting with Delta executives in the U.S. His objective is to assess the feasibility of a new nonstop service between Valencia and New York, a move that would significantly improve international connectivity and attract American tourists to the region.

Alicante Falls Behind Again

Once considered a serious contender for a U.S. route, Alicante-Elche Airport now appears sidelined. This isn’t the first time Alicante has lost ground in the race for intercontinental connections. Previously, both Málaga and Bilbao secured direct links to New York, leaving Alicante without a long-haul U.S. route.

As of June 2025, Bilbao operates direct flights to New York with United Airlines, while Málaga is celebrating three years of its own successful U.S. connection. Alicante, despite being Spain’s fifth busiest airport with over 18 million passengers annually, has once again been overshadowed by cities offering stronger business and cultural synergies.

Why Valencia Makes a Strong Case

Valencia’s advantages go beyond numbers. The city boasts a robust blend of culture, business infrastructure, and cruise ship connectivity—making it a natural candidate for long-haul travel development. These factors were also highlighted in a 2023 meeting with Delta, attended by then-tourism minister Nuria Montes and Valencia Chamber president José Vicente Morata.

Despite having a smaller operational capacity than Alicante, Valencia offers more compelling reasons for Delta, especially from a market strategy perspective. As tourism officials explained, final decisions will be left to the airlines, who must run the numbers on profitability and sustainability.

Targeting the American Market

Beyond Delta, the Valencian delegation also has broader objectives for this U.S. mission. A key meeting is scheduled with Peggy Murphy, Vice President of the U.S. Tour Operators Association (USTOA). The focus: expanding the presence of the Comunidad Valenciana in the American travel market.

According to Turisme Comunitat Valenciana, the U.S. ranked 14th among international visitor markets in 2024, with 143,464 American tourists visiting the region. While not the largest source market, American travelers are highly valued due to their strong spending power and growing interest in sustainable, premium travel experiences.

Looking Ahead: Building Stronger Tourism Links

Marian Cano emphasized that the mission aligns with the Generalitat’s broader strategy to diversify tourism sources and hedge against possible future trade restrictions from the U.S. government. “It is fundamental to strengthen our presence in this strategic market and position ourselves as a reference destination,” she said in a statement.

Tourism officials are especially keen on the American market’s loyalty and willingness to invest in meaningful experiences. As Cano noted, U.S. travelers are increasingly seeking cultural immersion, sustainability, and high-end offerings—all areas where the Valencia region excels.

While the outcome of the Delta negotiations remains uncertain, the signals point clearly: Valencia is making an assertive play to become Spain’s next U.S.-connected city. If successful, this would mark a major milestone for the region’s global connectivity and tourism economy.

As the Generalitat continues to promote Valencia abroad, the prospect of boarding a nonstop flight from New York to the Mediterranean coast may soon become a reality—not in Alicante, but in the heart of Valencia.