Delta Air Lines, United Airlines Launch Direct Service to Sicily Before Memorial Day
Memorial Day weekend is here, and while the holiday is all about honoring those who lost their lives serving this country, many use this weekend as a time to make that first summer trip. More than 45 millions Americans are expected to travel over the holiday weekend, according to AAA, which is roughly 1.4 million more compared to 2024.
Both Delta Air Lines and United Airlines have reached a big first before Memorial Day. Both airlines launched their first-ever flights to the Mediterranean island of Sicily this week, making it much more convenient for U.S. passengers to make a trip out to the Italian area.
United started its new direct service between Newark Liberty International Airport and Palermo Airport on May 21. The flight schedule will give travelers the chance to take the route three times per week on Boeing 767-400 aircraft through Sept. 24. Also on May 21, Delta launched its first flight between New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport and Catania–Fontanarossa Airport, on the eastern coast of Sicily, which will have flights available for passengers daily on the Boeing 767-300 aircraft through Oct. 24.
While both of these routes are direct to Sicily, the biggest difference is that they provide travel to two separate airports located on different ends of the island. Another difference is that United’s services uses a Boeing 767-400 aircraft, while Delta’s employs a Boeing 767-300.
“Catania will be the fifth Italian city served by Delta from the U.S., along with Rome, Milan, Venice, and Naples,” Matteo Curcio, Delta’s senior vice president for Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and India said in a statement. “Sicily is a highly sought-after destination and many Italian Americans have strong bonds with this wonderful Italian region.”
Curcio added, “We are convinced that our service will benefit the region’s economy with regards to incoming tourism, as well as offering great connectivity to the US for Sicilians.”
Related: American Airlines Announces Return of Popular Service
Delta Air Lines, United Airlines Launch Direct Service to Sicily Before Memorial Day first appeared on Men’s Journal on May 25, 2025
