PALERMO (ITALPRESS) – From the operating return of last December to the positioning of two Airbus A321neo: in just under two months Palermo becomes the 39th Wizz Air base in the world. A new important step in the growth in Italy of the company and that allows Wizz Air today to reach a market share of 10.4% and to become the second airline in the country for market share. The announcement was given today in Palermo during a joint press conference by Wizz Air and Gesap, the management company of the Falcone Borsellino International Airport.
In the presence of the Mayor of Palermo, Roberto Lagalla, the Chief Commercial Officer of Wizz Air, Ian Malin, and the CEO of Gesap, Gianfranco Battisti, presented the new plan of development of the carrier on the Palermo airport. Starting from 1 August 2026, Falcone Borsellino Airport will host two latest Wizz Air aircraft, allowing the company to permanently strengthen its operation on the airport and significantly expand its connection offer. The airline will expand its network from the Sicilian city to operate ten routes to seven countries. The expansion from Palermo, has been explained, focuses first on strengthening the national links, designed to meet the concrete mobility needs of Sicilian citizens, in particular for work, study and family reunification.
Starting from August 1, 2026, Wizz Air will activate the Palermo-Milano Malpensa connection with a ticket service (14 weekly frequencies), flanked by Palermo-Bologna with 11 weekly flights and from Palermo-Venice with 10 weekly flights. Complete the domestic offer the Palermo-Turin route, operated daily, starting from 4 May 2026. All new national connections are already on sale with rates from 14.99 euros on wizzair.com and the official WIZZ app, confirming the company’s tariff strategy: make air transport an accessible and continuous option on routes of higher territorial importance. In addition to the domestic upgrade, Wizz Air also strengthens its international offer from Palermo, in support of the leisure demand of Sicilian passengers. From 1 August 2026 the new Palermo-Tel Aviv connection will be operating with 3 flights per week (Monday, Wednesday and Saturday), while from 2 August 2026 the Palermo-Sharm el-Sheikh route will start with 4 weekly frequencies (Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday). Both new international routes are on sale with fares starting at EUR 39.99, significantly expanding travel opportunities to particularly attractive destinations and strengthening the position of the port of call also on the tourist segment.
The investment of the company has been made possible thanks to the structured and long-term partnership with Gesap, the management company of the airport of Palermo, and is a key step for the development of the air connectivity of Sicily. The choice to base aircraft on the Palermo airport allows Wizz Air to permanently strengthen its operation, improving frequencies, reliability and continuity of connections, for the benefit of passengers and territory. With the return of Palermo to the WIZZ base network, the operation of the company in Palermo will increase significantly. In the course of 2026, the company plans to sell almost 1 million places, with an increase of capacity greater than 200% compared to today. The positioning of two aircraft based will also allow greater operational stability and continuity of connections throughout the year. In addition, this development strengthens Wizz Air on the national market, allowing the company to reach a market share of more than 10% and become the second airline in Italy for market share. In addition to the impact on traffic, the investment generates direct benefits for the local economy, contributing to the creation of 80new direct employment opportunities and 700 new working figures in the supply chain, in support of the tourist, logistics and services sectors. A concrete contribution that strengthens the role of the port of call Falcone Borsellino as a strategic infrastructure for the development of the territory.
“The reopening of our base in Palermo is the direct result of the excellent performances recorded from December and the solidity of our partnership with Gesap – said Ian Malin, Chief Commercial Officer of Wizz Air -. Based on two aircraft we answer a clear demand for more frequent and convenient connections. Whether it’s business travel, study or simply to return home, our Sicilian passengers will now benefit from an even wider choice and fares starting at only €14.99. As a second airline in Italy, we continue to put the needs of passengers in the center of our growth. Amunì Palermo, Let’s WIZZ!”.
“The opening of the Wizz Air base in Palermo is a result of extraordinary strategic importance for our airport and for the entire Sicily – says Gianfranco Battisti, Managing Director of Gesap, the international airport management company of Palermo Falcone Borsellino – The choice to base two last generation aircraft on the Palermo airport confirms the solidity of the industrial route undertaken by Gesap and structurally strengthens the air connectivity of the territory. A base means operational continuity throughout the year – Battisti continues – increased frequencies, increased service reliability and a wider and accessible connection offer, designed to meet the mobility needs of citizens, businesses and tourists. At the same time, investment generates qualified employment and a positive economic impact on the local induced. The long-term partnership with Wizz Airconsente at the Palermo airport to diversify the carrier portfolio – concludes Gesap’s ad – reduce seasonality and consolidate its role as strategic infrastructure of the Mediterranean, able to support economic development, tourist attractiveness and sustainable growth in the medium-long period.”.
“The choice of Wizz Air to make Palermo a strategic base is a fundamental step for the future of our airport and the city – says Roberto Lagalla, mayor of Palermo – The positioning of two aircraft and the extension of routes, especially international, strengthen the role of Palermo as the Mediterranean door. This agreement consolidates an ever more decisive opening to European and international markets, increasing competitiveness and attractiveness of the territory – the mayor continues – Falcone Borsellino airport confirms the key infrastructure for the economic, tourist and employment development of western Sicily. It is a result of a shared vision and effective collaboration between institutions and operators.”.
Wizz Air, has been remembered, operates in Italy since 2004 and continues to invest in the country, the largest for number of passengers transported in its European network and not only. In 2026 the company plans to offer more than 27 million places on the Italian market, with a network of six bases that includes Rome Fiumicino, Milan Malpensa, Venice, Catania, Naples and Palermo, almost 280 routes towards 33 countries and 33 Airbus A321Neo based.
– Gesap press office photos –
(ITALPRESS).
