A city renowned for its fashion, art, and culture, Milan is also a bustling hub of international travel. At the heart of Italy, it’s served by three major airports - Milan Malpensa, Milan Linate, and Bergamo Orio al Serio. Together, these airports serve as gateways to the fashion capital of the world, welcoming millions of travelers annually.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll take you on a journey through the history, terminals, services, airlines and destinations of all three Milan’s airports, revealing how they have evolved into crucial transportation hubs in Europe.
Milan Malpensa Airport
History
Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP), located 49 kilometers (30 miles) northwest of Milan, has a rich history dating back to 1910. Originally built to test aircraft prototypes, it became a civilian airport in 1948.
On February 2, 1950, Trans World Airlines (TWA) became the first to fly long-haul flights from Malpensa Airport. They used Lockheed Constellations for their services, connecting Malpensa to New York Idlewild Airport, now known as John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK).
Between 1958 and 1962 a new terminal was built, and the Malpensa’s two parallel runways were extended to an impressive 3,920 meters (12,861 feet), making them the longest runways in Europe at that time.
However, Malpensa faced a downturn in its commercial traffic in the following years. The number of passengers dropped from 525,000 in 1960 to 331,000 by 1965. This decline was attributed to European carriers like British Airways, Air France, Lufthansa, and Alitalia, who shifted the majority of their operations to Linate Airport, due to its proximity to the center of Milan.
By the mid-80s Linate Airport was facing issues related to expansion, and the focus shifted towards Malpensa again. To help bring traffic to the airport, a plan known as ‘Malpensa 2000‘ was initiated. This encompassed the construction of a new terminal and the establishment of efficient transport links to Milan’s city center. The decree was passed in 1985 by the Italian Parliament. Construction at the Malpensa commenced in November 1990 and was finished by 1998.
Terminals
Malpensa Airport boasts two terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Both are connected through free airport shuttle buses and trains.
- Terminal 1 is the primary domestic and international flight terminal, serving a wide range of airlines and most passengers.
- Terminal 2 primarily handles low-cost carriers and charter flights.
Services
Travelers at Malpensa Airport can enjoy a variety of amenities, including lounges, duty-free shopping, restaurants and car rental services.
City Access
Malpensa is well connected to Milan and its surrounding areas. Travelers have a choice of various transportation options, including train, bus and taxi services, making it convenient to reach the city center.
Note: The cheapest option is to travel by Milan Airport Shuttle bus which costs €10 for a one-way ticket.
Airlines and destinations
Passenger airlines
Malpensa Airport serves as a focus city for numerous passenger airlines, including the low-cost airlines Ryanair, easyJet and Wizz Air. It offers an extensive network of destinations, connecting Milan to major cities across Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas.
During the year 2023, Malpensa Airport welcomed a total of 26 million passengers.
Cargo airlines
It hosts cargo airlines such as FedEx, DHL and Cargolux, facilitating the transportation of goods and products worldwide.
Milan Linate Airport
History
The history of Milan Linate Airport (LIN), located just 7 kilometers (4 miles) east of Milan, is deeply rooted in serving domestic and European routes.
In the 1930s, the airport was constructed next to Milan’s Idroscalo (artificial lake). It commenced operations on October 21, 1937. The airport underwent complete reconstruction during the 1950s plus a further renovation in the 1980s.
Terminals
Linate Airport features a single terminal which is predominantly used for domestic and short-haul European flights. The terminal is known for its efficiency, allowing for quick and convenient check-ins and arrivals.
The airport is equipped with two runways, one measuring 2,442 meters (8,012 feet) and the other 601 meters (1,972 feet). Linate also has a helipad, spanning 28 meters (92 feet).
Services
Linate offers passengers a variety of amenities, such as lounges, shopping outlets, car rental and dining options, making it a comfortable and welcoming gateway to Milan.
City access
The airport is well connected to Milan’s city center, accessible via several transportation options including buses, coaches, metro and taxis, ensuring swift access for travelers.
Note: The cheapest way to travel to Milan city center is by bus, the price of a single ticket costs only €2.
Airlines and destinations
Passenger airlines
Linate primarily serves domestic and European carriers, including ITA Airways, easyJet and British Airways. Conveniently, travelers can reach numerous destinations across Italy and Europe from this airport.
During 2023, Linate Airport served over 9.4 million passengers.
Milan Bergamo Airport
History
Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport (BGY), also known as Milan Bergamo Airport, started out as a military airfield in 1937 and became a civilian airport in 1970. Located in Orio al Serio, it is 3.7 kilometers (2.3 miles) southeast of Bergamo and 45 kilometers (28 miles) northeast of Milan.
Over the decades it has since evolved into a key gateway for low-cost and charter flights.
Terminals
Bergamo Airport has a single terminal equipped with modern facilities and two jet-bridge gates.
Services
Despite its focus on low-cost travel, Bergamo Airport provides popular amenities such as shopping, dining, VIP lounges and car rental services to enhance the passenger experience.
City access
The airport is connected to Milan and other nearby cities via efficient transportation services, including buses and taxis.
Now a railway station is being built at Bergamo Airport and is expected to be operational by 2026. Right now, the closest existing railway station is Bergamo Railway Station, located 5.6 kilometers (3.5 miles) away.
Note: The cheapest way to travel from here to Milan is by bus which costs €10.
Airlines and destinations
Passenger airlines
Bergamo Airport is a hub for low-cost carrier Ryanair and Italian airline AeroItalia SRL which operates mostly regional and short-haul flights. Other airlines such as easyJet, Wizz Air, and Norwegian Air Shuttle offer a range of budget-friendly routes across Europe. However, Ryanair offers the most routes to various countries across Europe and the United Kingdom.
In 2023, Bergamo Airport served nearly 16 million passengers.
Cargo airlines
While primarily a passenger airport, Bergamo also handles some cargo operations through UPS Airlines.