A NEW direct route between Jersey and Sardinia will operate next summer as part of FlyDirect’s expanded programme.

Weekly Saturday flights to Olbia – the main gateway to the Italian island’s Costa Smeralda – are due to run from 22 May until 14 August 2027.

It will be the first time that FlyDirect has offered holidays to Italy.

The airline will also operate direct services from Jersey to Palma, Ibiza, Faro and Malaga between April and October.

Alexander Devlin, director of parent company CI Travel Group, said: “Sardinia is the first time we have offered holidays to Italy, and we are extremely excited about this stunning new destination in the Mediterranean.”

He said direct flights meant Islanders did not need to travel through a UK airport or arrange an overnight stay before reaching their destination.

Mr Devlin added: “We have also personally reviewed our destinations, accommodation and facilities, which means we can give honest feedback and advice.”

Paul Holley, head of connectivity at Ports of Jersey, said the programme would give Islanders direct access to five “outstanding sunshine destinations”.

“Alongside popular returning favourites in Spain and Portugal, the addition of Sardinia provides an exciting new Italian option for Islanders planning next year’s break,” he added.

Flights to Malaga are scheduled to operate from 10 April to 15 May and again from 25 September to 30 October. The Palma service will run from 1 May to 9 October, Faro from 15 May to 30 October and Ibiza from 14 August to 25 September.

All of the Jersey flights will be operated by BA CityFlyer, a British Airways subsidiary, using Embraer 190 jets. Passengers will be entitled to 20kg of hold luggage and 10kg of cabin baggage.

FlyDirect is again offering discounts of between £50 and £200 per child on all flights. Group discounts will also be available during the school summer holidays.

CI Travel Group said it was increasing capacity across Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man following growing demand for direct flights and package holidays.

The summer 2027 programme goes on sale today.