Delta Air Lines is now connecting more of South America with the United States following the return of flights between New York City and São Paulo, Brazil, utilizing a Boeing 767-400ER aircraft. In a statement from Delta last week seen by Simple Flying, the Atlanta-based airline announced the resumption of four weekly flights between John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and São Paulo/Guarulhos International Airport (GRU).

The route will be operated using one of Delta's 21 Boeing 767-400ER aircraft and will help facilitate the transportation of essential goods and services through Delta Cargo. All JFK-GRU flights will feature the latest Delta One, Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort, and Main Cabin service. The flights will depart from Terminal 4 at JFK and Terminal 3 at GRU, where Delta offers it's premium passengers access to Delta Sky Clubs or partner lounges.

Delta flies to São Paulo from Atlanta

The returning route will also complement Delta's daily flight between its central hub at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and São Paulo. It will provide passengers with multiple connection opportunities from two of its most widely used airports.

When talking about the return of the New York to São Paulo, Delta made the following remarks in its press release:

"The return of Delta’s service between New York and São Paulo reconnects these two great cities and provides customers with a safer travel experience and superior comfort on this important route," said Delta’s Luciano Macagno - Managing Director of Latin America, the Caribbean, and South Florida. “Delta’s flights between these two important markets also serve to further connect the U.S. with more of Latin America and the Caribbean. With flights from the U.S. to 36 cities in the region, Delta is ensuring that those customers who need to travel can do so with ease and peace of mind, knowing that the safety of our customers and our employees is Delta’s priority.”

Delta continues to block the middle seat

Other measures to help make air travel safe during the ongoing COVID-19 medical emergency Delta have extended its policy of blocking middle seats until April 30, 2021. Delta says that it is the only United States airline that is practicing this policy. The cattier says that through its Delta CareStandard program, it has added more than 100 layers of protection to keep passengers safe. Delta also has an interactive travel map so that customers can identify where Delta is currently flying and the latest COVID-19 requirements and restriction at their destination.

Delta says that it has doubled down on its safety and cleanliness investments. It continues to offer passengers award-winning hospitality and an inflight entertainment system that features 300 new offerings.

Delta schedule for New York (JFK) - São Paulo (GRU) flights

*The first flight from GRU departed on February 13.

Is it safe to travel overseas?

Delta also said about the return of the JFK-GRU flights that they are subject to change due to the pandemic and government travel restrictions.

While the return of the JFK to GRU flights are welcomed, travel restrictions and the possibility of having to be quarantined or not being able to return home have many people worried about flying overseas right now. Currently, globally Brazil is second only to the United States when it comes to the number of coronavirus cases. On February 12, 2021, Johns Hopkins University reported 9,713,909 cases and 236,201 deaths directly related to COVID-19.

While many people would like to visit Brazil, it might be more prudent to wait until you have received your COVID-19 vaccination before traveling.

What are your thoughts on this? Please tell us what you think in the comments.