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Jet2 has celebrated its first flight to Palermo after the UK consumer champion’s inaugural flight departed from Manchester Airport on Friday afternoon (1^st May).  

The busy flight marks the start of Jet2 operating to the Italian destination for the first time this Summer 2026, giving customers access to sun-kissed Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean, floating off the toe of Italy’s boot.  

As a result of this new flying programme, Jet2 will operate twice weekly (Tuesday and Friday) services from Manchester Airport to Palermo until 3^rd November 2026.  

In celebration of the new Summer 2026 destination, Jet2 greeted holidaymakers onboard the first flight with a VIP welcome from Jet2’s Red Team. This included one lucky customer being surprised with a free pair of return flights with Jet2.com, creating an unforgettable start to their holiday.   

Holidaymakers in the Midlands and Northeast will also be able to reach Sicily, as flights and holidays will commence to Palermo from Birmingham Airport on Wednesday 6^th May and from Newcastle International Airport on Tuesday 26^th May. From Birmingham Airport, Jet2 will operate weekly Wednesday services until 28^th October 2026 and weekly Tuesday services are also available to the Italian city from Newcastle Airport until 3^rd November 2026. All the routes to Palermo are exclusive with Jet2. 

Palermo represents Jet2’s latest Italian expansion and means that the company now operates to nine Italian airports, including two in Sicily. In total, Jet2 has 12 weekly flights on sale to Sicily for Summer 2026. 

The introduction of this new destination gives customers great access to the resorts of Campofelice Di Roccella, Cefalu and Pollinia on the island of Sicily, a sunshine paradise on the north-western coastline that offers stunning scenery, city sights and dramatic landscapes. From the beautiful beaches to the outstanding architecture, there is also the capital’s rich ancient history where there are myths and legends weaved into every captivating corner.  

Recently, Jet2 became the first UK airline and tour operator to confirm it will not introduce surcharges on any booked flights or holidays to cover cost increases, for example jet fuel, assuring customers that the price they book with Jet2 is the price they will pay. In an industry-leading move, Jet2 confirmed that it has removed the surcharge provision across all flights and holidays, even though the company has never previously applied them. 

Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays said: “We are delighted to see Jet2’s first flight to Palermo take-off from Manchester Airport. To celebrate this new addition to our Summer 2026 programme to Italy, we had our trademark red branding at the gate of the inaugural flight and also surprised one lucky customer with a pair of free return flights. We have no doubt that Palermo will be a popular destination for customers and independent travel agents looking to book getaways that combine culture and sunshine, and we look forward to taking them on our award-winning flights and holidays.”