Parma–London Stansted route takes off once again

With new leadership and an expansion of routes (including London Stansted), Parma Airport is entering a new phase of development that is set to strengthen over the coming years, consolidating its role as a strategic infrastructure serving the wider region.

Among the most anticipated news is the launch of the direct Parma–London Stansted service, operated by Ryanair, which began on Thursday, 4 June. The route will operate year-round with two weekly frequencies, on Thursdays and Sundays, providing an important opportunity for both leisure and business travel. London now joins Parma Airport’s network, significantly expanding its international offering and strengthening the airport’s role as a strategic gateway to the region.

The Board of Directors of Sogeap, the company managing Parma Airport, has appointed Gian Luca Tagliavini as Chairman. A long-standing executive within the Barilla Group, where he held positions of increasing responsibility before becoming Group Tax Vice President, Tagliavini brings strategic vision and managerial expertise that are considered key assets for the airport’s future.

Alongside him is CEO Michele Bufo, who contributes extensive experience in the aviation and airport sectors. After beginning his career as an officer in the Italian Air Force and later joining Enav, Bufo held senior positions at several Italian airports. Particularly noteworthy was his experience in Trapani, where he successfully revitalised an airport facing significant challenges and restored it to profitability. Today, he leads the ambitious development of Parma Airport—an airport with great potential that has always existed but has never truly taken off.

Michele Bufo, CEO of Sogeap and Parma Giuseppe Verdi Airport, stated:

"The return of the Parma–London Stansted route, operating from today throughout the year, represents important news for our region. We are not simply celebrating a new route, but the restoration of a strategic connection with one of the world’s leading capitals, capable of fostering tourism, economic relations, international mobility and new opportunities for businesses, students and citizens. Ryanair’s decision to invest in this route, following the recent launches of services to Reggio Calabria and Tirana, confirms the attractiveness of our territory and the growth path undertaken by Parma Airport, in line with the air connectivity development plan recently adopted by the Emilia-Romagna Region. This flight is a bridge to new opportunities and a further step in strengthening our community’s international connections."

The new destinations further reinforce the airport’s central role as infrastructure serving a vast catchment area that includes Emilia-Romagna, Lombardy, Eastern Liguria and Northern Tuscany, creating new opportunities for tourism, economic exchange and the promotion of local excellence.

To celebrate the inaugural flight to London Stansted, departing passengers were welcomed with a special toast dedicated to the excellence of the Emilia region, accompanied by a tasting of Parmigiano Reggiano and sparkling wine. This convivial moment was designed to showcase Parma’s gastronomic identity even before take-off, transforming departure into a genuine experience of hospitality and regional promotion.

The renaissance of Giuseppe Verdi Airport is also supported by a number of entrepreneurs who work daily to promote Parma and its excellence on the international stage. The airport’s geographical position is a decisive advantage. The objective is to serve the entire catchment area, extending beyond Emilia-Romagna to neighbouring regions such as Lombardy, including Mantua and Cremona, as well as Eastern Liguria and Northern Tuscany, offering complementary flight services for a wide territory.

One of the airport’s key strengths, according to management, is the size of the terminal: “A compact, accessible and efficient airport that allows passengers to significantly reduce waiting times and reach their final destinations quickly, offering a simple and seamless travel experience.”

In addition, with the significant increase in flight operations, TEP has announced enhanced public transport connections to the airport, including new urban and night-time bus services coordinated with flight schedules, particularly those arriving from and departing to Palermo. This initiative is complemented by coordination with the city’s taxi service to ensure greater vehicle availability in line with flight operations.

SUMMER 2026: NEW ROUTES AND STRATEGIC CONNECTIONS

For the Summer 2026 season, Parma Airport expands its offering with domestic and international flights operated by Ryanair, FlyOne and Aeroitalia.

Parma – Cagliari (Wednesday, Friday, Sunday) | 1 April – 21 October 2026

Parma – Olbia (Tuesday, Saturday) | 13 June – 19 September 2026

Parma – Palermo (Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday) | 31 March – 29 September 2026

Parma – Tirana (Monday, Friday) | 1 June – 19 October 2026

Parma – London Stansted (Thursday, Sunday) | 4 June – 24 October 2026

Parma – Reggio Calabria (Monday, Wednesday, Friday) | 1 June – 19 October 2026

Parma – Chișinău (Wednesday, Saturday) | 1 April – 24 October 2026