Our recent study tour took us to Milan, where we visited the city’s two primary airports: Malpensa (MXP) and Linate (LIN). This two-day immersion offered a comprehensive look at Milan’s aviation infrastructure, its preparation for the 2026 Winter Olympics, and its commitment to passenger technology and logistics.
Day 1: Malpensa (MXP) – The International Gateway
Our first day was dedicated to Malpensa, the region’s main international hub. We began with a detailed lecture covering the airport’s scale and information about runways, aprons etc.
Infrastructure and Operational Challenges
Malpensa features two parallel runways, though they are not configured for simultaneous use. A significant portion of the discussion focused on the extensive preparations for the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics (Milan-Cortina).
The airport faces several unique challenges in this context, including:
- Handling Heads of State: Managing the simultaneous arrival of dozens of Heads of State, requiring complex logistics for parking and managing governmental aircraft.
- Infrastructure adaptations: We learned about plans to convert taxiway into additional parking aprons to accommodate the surge in air traffic.
- Innovative baggage management: The airport is taking an innovative step by taking over the direct management of athletes’ specialized baggage.
We also had the opportunity to tour the facilities, including the commercial area and the Airport Operation Center (AOC), which is currently being upgraded to an APOC by 2027. A notable operational efficiency detail is that the airport centrally manages all passenger bus shuttles.
Security, Maintenance, and Cargo
Malpensa has invested heavily in streamlining security, introducing modern scanners (CTX/3D) at security checkpoints. These scanners significantly speed up the process by allowing passengers to keep liquids and electronics inside their bags. When asked about the implementation challenges, Malpensa staff confirmed that the key to success is securing a comprehensive maintenance contract at the time of purchase, ensuring quick repair times.
Other technical highlights included the highly advanced and automated Baggage Handling System (BHS).
Finally, we explored the massive Cargo section, which is one of the largest in Europe and the biggest in Italy. This hub is crucial for transporting high-end Italian luxury goods—such as clothing, cars, and perfumes—with a memorable sight being a Ferrari waiting on the apron for loading. However, the volume largely consists of imported Chinese goods.
We also noted the presence of General Aviation (GA) traffic and, to the delight of aviation enthusiasts, witnessed Airbus A380 taxiing.
Day 2: Linate (LIN) – Urban Convenience
Our second visit focused on Linate, a smaller but equally impressive facility situated closer to the city center.
Connectivity and Profile
Linate was described as “phenomenal” due to its excellent connectivity. It is linked to the city via an autonomous subway line, with the station connected directly and underground to the terminal.
The airport profile is notable: it is small but highly convenient, with a staggering 85% of its total air traffic being domestic. Like Malpensa, we toured its Operation Center (AOC), which is set to become an APOC by 2026, and its recently expanded commercial area. Linate also maintains a significant volume of General Aviation (GA) movement.
Shared Innovations: The Human Element
A final point of interest shared by both airports are the centralized info-kiosks. These kiosks provide information for both MXP and LIN and offer a vital feature: the ability to connect via video to a live consultant who can guide the passenger to the correct location and advise them in any given situation. The major benefit is the human element—seeing a consultant respond in real-time.
Acknowledgements
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to SEA Milan, the company managing both airports, and to all employees we met during the tour. Our immense thanks also go to Uber for their assistance with logistics.
