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Jet2 pulls out of La Palma after just six months, cancelling UK routes
Manchester flights will end this month, while a planned London Stansted service has been dropped before launch
Jet2 is withdrawing all its flights and holiday packages to La Palma, in a sudden decision that brings the airline’s short-lived presence on the island to an end.The existing Manchester service is due to finish on Friday October 30, while the planned London Stansted route, which was scheduled to begin on Friday November 6, has been cancelled before carrying its first passengers.
Jet2 confirmed that it can “no longer operate any upcoming flights to and from La Palma”, blaming “unavoidable operational reasons” and changes to its flight schedule. Passengers and travel agents affected by the decision are being contacted and will be offered alternative holiday arrangements or a full refund, depending on their circumstances.
The withdrawal has surprised La Palma’s Island Council, which says the decision was made unilaterally and without prior communication to the island or the Canary Islands Government.
Tourism Councillor Raquel Rebollo described the decision as “a blow”. She said recent discussions with Jet2 had not suggested that the airline was about to leave, adding that passenger occupancy figures had not appeared particularly negative.
Jet2 began its Manchester to La Palma service on Friday April 3, operating twice a week on Mondays and Fridays. The airline had originally planned to run the connection throughout the year. The routes were announced in June 2025 as part of Jet2’s expansion into La Palma, its fifth Canary Islands destination.
Rebollo said the island had made the necessary effort to attract and build up the British market, but the final decision belonged to the airline. She also said the company had previously committed to maintaining its presence for two years.
The council believes Jet2 ultimately decided that the operation was not profitable. Rebollo also linked the setback to La Palma’s limited accommodation capacity, saying large tour operators need enough beds to create holiday packages and keep routes operating over time.
Despite losing the two British connections, the council expects the island’s total air capacity this winter to remain similar to last season because of the remaining schedule. Rebollo also pointed to record passenger arrivals during recent winter and summer periods.
The Tourism Department is now seeking new international opportunities, with plans to attend a trade fair in Frankfurt and negotiate stronger connections for next summer. The council also hopes to increase La Palma’s accommodation capacity, which it sees as vital to supporting future airline operations.
Image: Dan Wright/Pexels
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