Delta Adds Special Event Flights for Daytona 500

One of Daytona Beach’s most special of special events is getting a boost from the friendly skies.

Race fans in New York and Detroit will have a fast and convenient way to experience the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway next year with special event direct flights on Delta Air Lines from New York’s LaGuardia Airport and Detroit’s Metro Airport, according to a county media release. Both flights will operate Feb. 16 and 19. Delta also added a fifth trip out of its hub in Atlanta on Feb. 19, providing even more options for travelers.

“These special event direct flights from New York and Detroit will allow even more visitors to experience the excitement of race weeks and take in the natural beauty of the entire Volusia County area,” said Joanne Magley, airport manager of air service, marketing, and customer experience, in the release. “There’s also an opportunity for locals to take long weekend trips from Daytona to these popular destinations.”

For the Rolex 24, Delta is running a full schedule of four flights a day to and from Atlanta from Jan. 23 through 26 and Jan. 28 through 30. This is up from three flights daily in January, when the airline has a systemwide reduction in frequency.

While Delta has provided special event flights from Detroit in years past, this is the first time it has added flights from New York City, the No. 1 destination for travelers in and out of Daytona Beach International Airport, the release states.

“Our air service development team, which includes our consultants with Volaire Aviation, meets with the airline route planners several times a year to showcase our community and talk about the demand for more flights and destinations out of DAB,” Magley said in the release. “Those conversations include information about the major events that take place here – like the Rolex 24, Daytona 500, Bike Week, and Welcome to Rockville – which draw in thousands of visitors. We continue those conversations throughout the year and are thankful to the planners at Delta for believing in our market.”