Travel News Update
New York: Valencia, Spain’s bustling Mediterranean city, is not sitting back while it watches others push to become the next super portal into the United States. Over the past several weeks, the Valencian autonomous government has been in negotiations with Delta Air Lines to make something happen, and one goal is in everyone’s sights: a direct link between Valencia’s Manises Airport and New York City. It would be a revolution for tourism travel and business in the region if this is realized.
A Strategic Move to Strengthen U.S. Links
Valencian authorities, led by tourism chief Marian Cano, recently sent a high-level delegation to Atlanta and New York. Their mission was simple—to convince Delta to reinstate a long-haul route that originally operated from 2009 to 2012. Then, the transatlantic service linked Valencia with America during the America’s Cup periods but was eventually cut because of cost pressures. Now that the tourism profile of the destination is better and demand is higher, Valencia is aiming for its return.
Juan José Cortés, Innovation’s Director General, led the bargaining with Delta executives in the United States. His focus was on illustrating that Valencia is a top choice for a nonstop flight from New York, especially against other Spanish destination alternatives.
Why Valencia Stands Out
There are several reasons Valencia is becoming such a popular option for airlines. Although Spain’s largest airport, it has something far greater: potential. Valencia has history, modernization, beaches, and culture all mixed into an exquisite package. It’s also a growing cruise port, which adds to its appeal for Americans looking to experience more than Madrid and Barcelona.
As compared to Alicante, which handles more passengers, Valencia provides a more situational combination of tourism, business, and international routes. It isn’t quantity—it’s what the destination can offer once individuals get there.
Alicante Left Behind Again
Alicante-Elche Airport, while being Spain’s fifth busiest, has once more been overlooked for direct U.S. flights. It previously lost out on opportunities for cities like Málaga and Bilbao, which have both since seen successful transatlantic flights. Alicante dreamed big, but now it’s Valencia’s time to shine.
As of June 2025:
- Málaga has had a direct Delta flight to New York since 2022.
- Bilbao just added its United Airlines route this year.
- Valencia continues to negotiate, but expectations are keen.
The shift in perspective signals that airlines aren’t simply obsessed with traffic statistics—they’re considering long-term travel trends and passenger tendencies.
Tapping Into the American Market
Besides air negotiations, the Valencia tourism delegation is also making efforts to project the image of the region in the American travel market. A key meeting was held with Peggy Murphy of the U.S. Tour Operators Association (USTOA) with a view to luring more American tourists to the region.
143,000 American tourists arrived in the Comunidad Valenciana in 2024. That’s not a big number compared to other markets, but American visitors are high-spenders who love luxury travel experiences. They love culture, they love sustainability, and they love real adventures—exactly what Valencia is full of.
This promotion is one of several steps toward a broader vision to wean the Valencian region from its dependence on European visitors and more integrate it into global markets like the U.S.
Looking Toward the Future
Tourism officials believe a non-stop to New York would be the difference for Valencia. It would bring in new types of tourists, create business, and put the city on the map as one of the top Mediterranean destinations. And maybe more importantly, it would make it convenient for American tourists to see a Spanish-flavored city with world-class amenities.
Marian Cano described it thus: “We need to make our presence more powerful in this strategic market and be a reference point.”
Delta now has renewed interest, and regional leaders are actively campaigning, the dream of boarding a direct flight from New York to Valencia may no longer be mere talk—it may be part and parcel of Spain’s travel landscape.
Final Thoughts
And if it succeeds, this route would connect two wonderful cities and create new possibilities for tourism, culture, and business. For American tourists looking for an alternative Spain to visit—and for Valencia, eager to welcome the world—the moment is as favorable as it could ever be.
Keep watching. The next time you book your US-to-Spain flight, do not only consider Madrid or Barcelona. Valencia could be your next destination.
