I had the incredible opportunity to be aboard United Airlines’ inaugural nonstop flight from New York/Newark (EWR) to Palermo, Sicily — the airline’s first-ever service to this southern Italian gem. From the moment I stepped into the gate area at Newark Liberty International Airport, it was clear this was more than just another flight. It was a celebration of connection, culture, and a new chapter in transatlantic travel.
The atmosphere at the terminal buzzed with excitement. Passengers and airline employees gathered around the gate as the festivities kicked off with snacks, drinks, and then came the ceremonial ribbon cutting.
United executives, airport representatives, and the crew lined up with oversized scissors for the momentous photo op. Applause erupted as the ribbon fell — a symbolic launch of not just a new route, but a bridge between cultures. “We see Palermo as an opportunity to fill a white space in nonstop service to Southern Europe while also connecting our customers to one of Italy’s most culturally rich regions,” Matt Stevens, United’s Vice President of International Network, told me.
Boarding the flight felt like stepping onto a celebration in the sky. Staff met you in the jetbridge with a joint US and Italian flag pin, then the flight attendants greeted us with extra-wide smiles. On our seats were commemorative posters, postcards, and Palermo-branded in-flight pajamas.
After our 8-hour flight and early arrival, as the plane taxied to the gate, we could already see a small crowd gathered on the tarmac, waving and cheering. Upon deplaning, we were greeted by a delegation of Italian dignitaries, tourism board officials, and local press.
The most heartwarming moment came when the United crew gathered with their Italian counterparts on the tarmac and air airstairs for a photo. Proudly holding both the American and Italian flags, they stood beneath the plane’s fuselage which was up against the backdrop of a crystal-clear Sicilian sky.
United’s new Palermo route isn’t just a convenient addition to their summer schedule — it’s an invitation to explore a corner of Italy that’s rich with history, flavor, and soul. I’ll be staying in Palermo for a few days filming for an upcoming episode of The Jet Set with ENIT Italian National Tourist Board and the Region of Sicily, so stay tuned to this space to see more about this beautiful city.
