Wizz Air Becomes Italy’s No. 2 Airline After Palermo Deal

Wizz Air has announced a strategic expansion in Italy that will see it become the second-largest airline in the country by market share, following a new partnership with Palermo Airport and airport operator Gesap.

 

Under the agreement, Wizz Air will significantly grow its presence at Palermo Falcone-Borsellino Airport, establishing it as a key base for the airline’s Italian operations. The move reflects a broader strategy to deepen connectivity across Italy and strengthen the carrier’s network footprint in southern Europe.

The partnership with Gesap is expected to accelerate Wizz Air’s growth in the Italian market, increasing flight frequencies, expanding route options and improving travel choices for both domestic and international passengers. By boosting capacity and serving more destinations from Palermo, Wizz Air aims to capture a larger share of passenger traffic, particularly in leisure travel segments.

As a result of the expanded operations, Wizz Air will sit just behind the largest carrier in Italy based on overall market share, underscoring its rapid growth and competitive position in Europe’s low-cost airline sector. The increased footprint at Palermo is expected to draw travellers from both Sicily and broader southern Italy, offering greater access to Wizz Air’s network across Europe and beyond.

Wizz Air officials describe the development as a significant milestone, aligning with the airline’s longer-term ambitions to strengthen its presence in key European aviation markets and offer affordable travel options to a wider customer base.

The collaboration with Gesap and expanded Palermo operations are scheduled to roll out in phases, with specific route additions and capacity increases to be announced in due course as part of Wizz Air’s summer 2026 programme.

By boosting services and passenger volumes in Italy, Wizz Air not only enhances its competitive position but also brings new travel opportunities to the Italian market, supporting tourism, regional economic activity and cross-border connectivity.