Delta to add seasonal nonstop flights out of Seattle, Detroit for Balloon Fiesta

Detroit didn’t get to see its Pistons make the NBA Finals this year, and Seattle still lacks an NBA team. But residents of both cities can look forward to something uplifting: a sky full of balloons in the Duke City.

Delta Air Lines is launching new seasonal nonstop flights between Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and the Albuquerque International Sunport on Oct. 3, 5, 10 and 12, coinciding with the 53rd Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, airport officials announced Friday.

“These flights reflect growing demand for one of the most visually stunning events in the world — and we look forward to welcoming travelers from these new destinations,” said Daniel Jiron, the Sunport’s business development manager.

Jiron also said Delta is adding a fourth daily flight out of Atlanta — it typically flies three throughout the year — during the popular Balloon Fiesta, which attracts people from across the globe. A study of last year’s Balloon Fiesta showed that 611,986 guests came from outside of New Mexico, representing 46 states.

Jiron said Delta is also bringing back, for a second year, a seasonal nonstop flight out of John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York for the weeklong event. Delta will offer flights out of that airport on the same days as those of the Detroit and Seattle airports.

Delta will also move to a larger aircraft for its flight from the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport to Albuquerque for Balloon Fiesta. And other airlines, including American Airlines and Southwest Airlines, will increase their frequency of flights out of Phoenix and Dallas, Jiron said.

“Balloon Fiesta is a special time for Albuquerque, and we’re grateful that Delta’s new nonstop flights from Detroit and Seattle will make it easier for folks to join the celebration,” Mayor Tim Keller said in a statement.