Delta Air Lines is ramping up its commitment to NFL fans this 2025 season with exciting new nonstop flight offerings that promise to make game day travel smoother and more accessible than ever before. From Atlanta to Berlin and Detroit to multiple major cities across the U.S., the airline is connecting fans to some of the most anticipated matchups of the year, enhancing the live sports experience with seamless travel options.
One of the most groundbreaking moves by Delta this season is the introduction of nonstop flights from Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport directly to Berlin, Germany. This historic first-time connection coincides with the Atlanta Falcons’ Week 10 game against the Indianapolis Colts, scheduled for November 9, 2025. The game will take place at Berlin’s Olympic Stadium, a venue steeped in history since its construction for the 1936 Summer Olympics. Although the stadium has hosted four NFL exhibition games before, this will be its inaugural regular season NFL event, marking a significant milestone in the league’s international expansion.
Delta is adding two nonstop flights from Atlanta to Berlin on November 5 and 6, with return flights on November 10 and 11, perfectly timed to accommodate fans traveling to and from the game. Amy Martin, Delta’s vice president of North America Network Planning, emphasized the airline’s strategy, saying, "From kickoff to the final down, we’re making it easier than ever to get in on the action – with new, nonstop routes and extra capacity for key games in cities like Berlin, Detroit, Kansas City, Philadelphia and more." This initiative not only underscores Delta’s dedication to football fans but also highlights the growing global footprint of the NFL.
Atlanta’s game in Berlin will be the team’s fourth international regular season appearance, having previously played three times in London (2014, 2021, and 2023). The kickoff is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time, which translates to 3:30 p.m. local time in Berlin, offering fans an exciting mid-afternoon spectacle on European soil.
Meanwhile, Detroit Lions supporters are also in for a treat this season. Delta has launched nonstop flights from Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids, Michigan, directly to five of the Lions’ away games during the 2025-2026 season, as well as one University of Michigan football away game. This new service is a game-changer for fans who have struggled to secure tickets or manage complicated travel itineraries to cheer on their team live.
With the 2025-2026 Detroit Lions season tickets already sold out and individual game tickets in high demand, these nonstop flights provide a convenient and efficient way for fans to follow the team across the country. The destinations include high-profile matchups against the Baltimore Ravens in September, as well as trips to Kansas City, Washington, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles. Additionally, the service extends to a University of Michigan away game in Oklahoma, broadening the appeal for college football fans in the region.
Tory Richardson, President and CEO of Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership with Delta, stating, "We’re excited to offer these flights to fans for what we hope will be another winning season of Lions football. With home games at Ford Field in high demand, our partners at Delta are making it easier than ever for West Michiganders to catch the Lions in action at five exciting away game destinations. Delta has also added a special opportunity for Wolverines to see their team at an early game in Oklahoma. We appreciate Delta’s continued investment in our community and can’t wait to touch down across the country for the Detroit Lions."
Echoing this sentiment, Amy Martin reiterated Delta’s commitment to enhancing the fan experience: "From kickoff to the final down, Delta is making it easier than ever for Detroit fans to get in on the action – with new, nonstop routes in Grand Rapids and extra capacity for key games. We know our Michigan customers love their teams, so we have timed these flights to make it faster and easier to get them to the games that matter most." Tickets for these flights went on sale starting June 7, 2025, giving fans ample time to plan their travels.
Delta’s expansion at Gerald R. Ford International Airport doesn’t stop there. Starting December 2025, the airline will introduce nonstop flights to Orlando International Airport (MCO), adding to four other nonstop routes already offered from Ford International. This broader initiative reflects Delta’s ongoing strategy to improve connectivity and meet growing passenger demand.
In 2024, Delta served over 200 million passengers worldwide, cementing its role as a global aviation leader. Its 2025 NFL-related flight expansions demonstrate how the airline is leveraging its vast network to support the sports community, offering fans direct and convenient travel options to some of the most electrifying football events of the year.
Whether it’s experiencing the thrill of an NFL game in the historic Olympic Stadium in Berlin or cheering on the Detroit Lions on the road without the hassle of layovers, Delta Air Lines is transforming how fans engage with their favorite teams. By aligning flight schedules with game days and focusing on nonstop routes, Delta is not just transporting passengers – it’s delivering a seamless sports travel experience that brings fans closer to the action.
As the 2025 NFL season unfolds, these new travel opportunities highlight the intersection of sports and travel innovation, making it easier than ever for fans to witness the drama and excitement of live football, wherever the game takes them.
