As Valentine’s Day approaches, millions of bouquets begin a global journey from flower farms in South America to homes and shops around the world — with Delta Cargo playing a key role behind the scenes.
Each year, January and February mark the peak season for air freight flower shipments, as demand for roses, carnations and other blooms surges ahead of 14 February.
Key routes from Colombia and Ecuador
Two major cargo routes underpin Delta’s Valentine’s operation: Bogotá to Atlanta and Quito to Atlanta.
Colombia and Ecuador are among the world’s largest flower producers, particularly for roses and carnations. Delta’s flights from Bogotá and Quito connect growers directly to the United States and onward to international markets including South Korea, Italy and France.
By linking South American farms with its global network, the airline helps ensure flowers arrive fresh and ready for sale.
Seasonal cargo surge
Delta Cargo carries hundreds of tonnes of flowers in the weeks leading up to Valentine’s Day. The airline says recent widebody fleet upgrades have increased cargo capacity this year, allowing more shipments to move through its network.
In addition to Colombia and Ecuador, major flower export points include Florida, California and the Netherlands.
Transporting fresh flowers requires strict temperature control and precise timing. Growers and importers rely on consistent, on-time performance to prevent spoilage and maintain quality.
In Atlanta, shipments pass through Delta’s temperature-controlled facilities, including two dedicated “Specialised Fresh” chambers within its cooler storage complex. The airline’s cold chain handling is designed to protect perishable goods during transfer and onward distribution.
From Atlanta to the world
Once processed in Atlanta, flowers continue to markets across the United States and internationally. Destinations range from major cities such as Miami and Los Angeles to London and Paris.
With Valentine’s Day one of the busiest periods for the global flower trade, airlines play a critical role in ensuring florists and retailers receive stock in time for peak demand.
