Chicago and Southern Airlines began service to San Juan in 1953 with one weekly flight on a Lockheed Constellation “Connie,” carrying 57 passengers. C&S then merged with Delta Air Lines several months later.  Fast forward to 2023, and Delta is now the longest-serving tenant at the largest and busiest airport in the Caribbean.  

Much has changed in the industry throughout the years, including the airport being renamed Luis Muñoz Marin International Airport in 1985, and Delta offering service between Puerto Rico and five of its U.S.  hubs. What hasn’t changed is Delta’s commitment to helping travelers discover the island of enchantment, being a good partner to the community, and helping connect Puerto Rico's residents to the world with reliable and award-winning service. 

“As we celebrate 70 years of service to Puerto Rico, we reflect on the role Delta’s people and our partners have played in making our service to the island a success,” said Delta Director of International Specialty Sales Athar Khan during celebrations with Delta people and partners. “We’re also grateful to the local community. We remain committed to being the airline that provides them with outstanding and reliable service to points throughout the globe and the airline that continues to bring new visitors to discover this beautiful island.”  

As Puerto Rico’s prominent role in the Caribbean has developed and demand for travel to and from the island has grown, Delta’s service has contributed to tourism development and enabled families to connect with their loved ones. Between 1990 and 2022 alone, Delta flew more than 24 million customers to and from the island. 

Over the years, the people of Delta have served the community in good times and challenging times. Most recently, during Hurricane Fiona in September 2022, Delta partnered with the state of New York to provide cargo and transportation assistance to those affected. The airline also encourages employees to volunteer, including beach and river cleanups that help the island protect its natural beauty. In 2021 Delta announced a partnership between its Propel Pilot Career Path Program and Inter American University of Puerto Rico’s School of Aeronautics to help local aviators achieve their dream of becoming a Delta pilot. 

HELPING CONNECT PUERTO RICO TO THE WORLD 

As demand for travel to Puerto Rico has grown, Delta has increased service. The airline offers service between Puerto Rico and five Delta U.S. hubs (Atlanta, Boston, Detroit, New York JFK and Minneapolis/St. Paul), where travelers can easily connect to destinations throughout the globe with modern, efficient, state-of-the-art aircraft. Currently, Delta offers four daily flights between San Juan and its Atlanta hub throughout most of the year and will operate a fifth flight during the winter., all on Boeing 757-200 aircraft with 199 seats. For most of 2023, Delta will offer service between San Juan and New York-JFK with three daily flights operated with Boeing 737-900 aircraft with 180 seats. More recently, Delta launched new service between San Juan and its Boston hub. Additional routes include three-times weekly flights between San Juan and Minneapolis-St. Paul and daily service between San Juan and Detroit. To book flights, visit delta.com.