Delta has started service from New York JFK to Kansas City and Milwaukee, as well as San Antonio. For the first time, two airlines will provide two daily flights from Kansas City and Milwaukee to JFK, while San Antonio will return to two daily flights, which it last had in 2019.
Some may argue that Delta is just expanding its international network at JFK by adding Kansas City and Milwaukee, but the timings aren't always ideal compared to other hubs. The timing, however, seems suspicious, given it comes only days after JetBlue launched both lines.
Delta's decision is bound to include a competitive component, which is fine. It's not just because of the timing of the announcement – which is even more shocking now that JetBlue has taken off – but also because Delta already has flights to Kansas City and Milwaukee from New York LaGuardia. This airport is especially well-suited to the point-to-point demand of New York City.
All three routes have previously been operated by Delta from JFK. Kansas City was connected, according to OAG, from April 2009 to August 2010, and then again from June 2012 to December 2013. With more competition than previously, it'll be the third time fortunate for the 1,113-mile (1,791-kilometer) market.
Meanwhile, Milwaukee was serviced from May 2009 to August 2013, and San Antonio (the usual resume) from October 2005 to May 2006, and then September 2010 to March 2020.
