Delta Air Lines launches MSP Airport routes to Rome and Copenhagen

Delta Air Lines is launching two new international routes from Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) just as the start of the summer travel season kicks off ahead of the Memorial Day holiday weekend.  

Delta and MSP celebrated the airport’s the first-ever nonstop departure to Copenhagen, Denmark (CPH), on Thursday, May 22. The seasonal flights now operate three times weekly on A330-300 aircraft. Later today, May 23, Delta will launch seasonal MSP service to Rome, Italy (FCO), that will operate four times weekly on A330-300 aircraft.

“We are excited that Delta is expanding direct service to Europe this summer,” said Brian Ryks, CEO and executive director of the Metropolitan Airports Commission, which owns and operates MSP Airport. “The expanded service includes Copenhagen, which is enhanced through Delta’s new SkyTeam partner, Scandinavian Airlines System.”

The expansion of international routes now gives Delta travelers the option to fly to eight nonstop destinations across Europe, with numerous global connections beyond those direct flights.  

“With the start of our Copenhagen and Rome service, Delta is excited to offer our customers even more international destinations to explore,” said Jeannine Ashworth, vice president of operations at MSP. “As MSP’s largest global carrier, this new route pairs well with our other European cities, including Dublin and London, and our Delta team here in Minneapolis is ready to welcome our customers onboard, wherever their travels take them.”

The newest routes also propel MSP to a new record for international service, with airlines offering nonstop flights to 35 destinations this year. 

“We’re thankful for Delta’s continued commitment to MSP with its expanded European network, which supports Minnesota’s global connectivity and gives leisure and business travelers even more destinations and flight options this summer and early fall,” said MAC Chair Rick King.  

2025 is expected to be another strong year for summer travel, especially internationally.  Locally, MSP’s 17 airlines will peak this summer at 468 average daily departures to 140 destinations. Check the latest destinations from MSP.

New this year for MSP summer travelers:

• The TSA now requires passengers to present REAL ID-compliant identification at U.S. airport checkpoints or face the potential for extra screening and travel delays. REAL-ID guidance: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification

• The Terminal 2 Express Lane is now open as an alternative pick-up and drop-off area to the terminal curb location. The free Express Lane is located in the Purple Ramp, with a covered loading zone on the second level offering quick access to the terminal via a sky bridge. 

• The Terminal 2 TSA PreCheck security lane has moved to Checkpoint 2.

Other helpful travel tips:

• MSP Reserve offers passengers a spot and set time in the security line for free. Availability is limited and offered at select times.   

• Book parking reservations online now to guarantee a spot and receive the lowest daily rates. Bookings must be made at least 12 hours before the scheduled arrival time.

• Travelers are encouraged to arrive at the airport at least two hours in advance of a domestic departure or three hours prior to an international departure.

• Drivers can use either level at Terminal 1 to drop off or pick up passengers.

• Travelers in Terminal 1 should look for the shortest wait time on security checkpoint boards at both ends of the ticketing lobby. Passengers can access all gates from either checkpoint, but the North Checkpoint, located to the right as you enter the ticketing lobby, often has shorter wait times.

• MSP’s cell phone lots on Post Road offer drivers a free place to wait until their passenger is ready to be picked up. Drivers should remain parked until their arriving party contacts them by phone before heading to the terminal pick-up zones.   

• Travelers should review the latest TSA security screening information and tips including identification requirements and regulated items for carry-on and checked baggage.

• For international travelers, the U.S. Department of State offers the free Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) so it can contact U.S. citizens in case of emergency and give timely alerts about travel, health and safety information for their destination country.

• Enrolling in Global Entry can also save time on international trips. The Customs and Border Protection program allows expedited clearance for pre-approved travelers upon arrival to dozens of airports, including MSP.