Milan Bergamo Airport (BGY/LIME) – Northern Italy’s Low-Cost and Cargo Powerhouse
Milan Bergamo Airport (BGY), officially designated as Il Caravaggio International Airport, is a cornerstone of the Milanese airport system and a vital hub for low-cost carriers in Northern Italy. Strategically located in Orio al Serio, just 5 km from the historic city of Bergamo and approximately 45 km from the bustling fashion capital of Milan, BGY provides an essential gateway for both leisure and business travellers accessing the Lombardy region, including the scenic Italian Alps and Lakes.
The airport is operated by SACBO S.p.A. and has cemented its reputation as one of Europe’s busiest secondary hubs, characterized by robust growth and ongoing infrastructure modernization.
Key Performance and Market Position
BGY has consistently broken passenger traffic records, reflecting its critical role as a base for major European low-cost airlines and a key access point to the region.
| Feature | Details |
| IATA / ICAO Code | BGY / LIME |
| Official Name | Il Caravaggio International Airport |
| Location | Orio al Serio (45 km from Milan) |
| Annual Passenger Traffic (2024) | 17.35 million passengers (8.6% increase from 2023) |
| H1 Passenger Traffic (2024) | 8.41 million travellers (10% increase from H1 2023) |
| Primary Base | One of Ryanair’s four largest operating bases globally |
| Cargo Performance (2024) | Continued growth with strong air freight activity (11.4 million kg handled in H1 2024) |
| Currency | Euro (€) |
Infrastructure and Ongoing Development (2025/2026)
BGY operates a single, modern terminal which is currently undergoing a major expansion to future-proof its operations, particularly in preparation for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics.
Terminal and Airside Expansion
- New Check-in Hall: The newly expanded check-in hall, which doubled the number of check-in desks from 34 to 64, was inaugurated in May 2025, significantly boosting passenger flow efficiency.
- Security and Non-Schengen Zone: A major project to upgrade the security area with advanced X-ray systems and to expand the non-Schengen departures area is set for completion by November 2025.
- Operational Capacity: Recent enhancements include an expanded northern apron and a new taxiway, which added three new aircraft stands, bringing the total number of stands to 48.
Future Rail Connectivity
- Direct Rail Link: Construction is well underway for a new railway line that will connect the airport directly to Milano Centrale Station. This service is expected to be fully operational by December 2026 and will provide a rapid transit time to Milan of under 45 minutes.
Airlines and Extensive Route Network
Milan Bergamo Airport offers an impressive network, connecting 107 destinations across 38 countries in the 2025/2026 winter season, served by 18 scheduled airlines. This extensive offering confirms BGY as a critical link for Central and Eastern Europe.
Major Operators
Ryanair is the dominant carrier, basing 22 aircraft at the airport and operating 81 routes during the winter season. Other key carriers include Wizz Air, Pegasus Airlines, Volotea, and easyJet.
New and Expanding Routes (2025/2026 Winter Season)
- Middle East & Asia: The service to the UAE is growing, with flydubai increasing operations to twice-daily to Dubai (DXB) from December 2025, in codeshare with Emirates. Air Arabia also offers increased flights to Sharjah (SHJ) over the holiday period. The agreement between Italy and Mongolia has paved the way for potential direct flights to Ulan Bator.
- European Expansion (Wizz Air): Wizz Air is adding five new winter routes, including services to Chisinau, Bucharest Băneasa, Warsaw Modlin, Suceava, and Sibiu (from January 2026).
- Leisure & Niche Routes: The network to the Red Sea is confirmed by Air Cairo (Sharm el-Sheikh). Norwegian is strengthening its Nordic links with confirmed services to Helsinki, and resumed flights to Tromsø and Evenes/Lofoten Islands (from February 2026).
- Charter Traffic: Charter services, particularly to Red Sea destinations like Marsa Alam and Sharm El Sheikh, remain in high demand.
Passenger Services and Facilities
BGY is continuously investing in its commercial offer to meet the needs of its high volume of passengers.
- Lounges: Executive lounge access is available, providing a quiet space for relaxation or work.
- Retail and Dining: A wide selection of duty-free shops, specialty stores, and diverse catering options, including both quick-service and sit-down restaurants.
- Connectivity: Free and reliable Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal.
- Accessibility & Mobility: The airport provides excellent assistance for Passengers with Reduced Mobility (PRM), having recently received the ANMIC Award for in-airport assistance.
- Accommodation: Hotels adjacent to the airport, such as NH Orio al Serio and Winter Garden Hotel, offer convenient pre- or post-flight stays.
Transportation Options
Connecting BGY to Milan, Bergamo, and the surrounding Lombardy region is facilitated by a multi-modal transport network.
| Mode of Transport | Destination | Duration (approx.) | Estimated Cost (EUR) | Key Information |
| Shuttle Bus / Coach | Milano Centrale Station | ~60 minutes | €5–€10 | Frequent services by operators like Terravision and Orio Shuttle. The most popular direct link to Milan. |
| Local Bus (ATB) | Bergamo City Center / Railway Station | ~15 minutes | €3–€5 | Direct connection to the nearby Bergamo train station, which offers fast rail services across Italy. |
| Taxi | Bergamo City Center | ~15 minutes | €20–€30 | Quick direct route to Bergamo. |
| Taxi | Milan City Center | ~50 minutes | €80–€100 | Fares vary based on traffic and exact destination in Milan. |
| Car Rental & Parking | On-site Pickup | N/A | Varies | All major international car rental agencies are available. Extensive long and short-term parking with a capacity for 5,000 vehicles. |
Contact Information
- Address: Via Aeroporto 13, I-24050 Orio Al Serio, ITALY
- Telephone: +39 035 326323
- Official Website: www.orioaeroporto.it