Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP/LIMC): Italy’s Primary Intercontinental and Cargo Hub
Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) is the largest of the three international airports serving Milan and the entire Lombardy region. As Italy’s second-busiest airport by passenger traffic and the number one airport for air freight, MXP is a critical component of Italy’s economy and its global connectivity. Situated in Ferno, approximately 50 km (31 miles) northwest of Milan’s city center, Malpensa is the essential gateway for long-haul and luxury traffic, offering convenient access to the global fashion capital and the beautiful Northern Italian Lakes.
Operational Performance and Key Statistics
MXP, alongside Milan Linate (LIN) and Bergamo (BGY), forms the largest airport system in Italy. The Malpensa operation is defined by strong post-pandemic growth, particularly in intercontinental and high-yield traffic.
| Feature | Details |
| IATA / ICAO Code | MXP / LIMC |
| Location | Ferno, Varese (50 km from Milan) |
| Operator | SEA Milan Airports |
| Passenger Traffic (2024) | 28.7 million passengers (a new record) |
| Cargo Handled (2024) | Over 728,000 tonnes (Italy’s busiest cargo airport) |
| Total Milan System Traffic (2024) | 39.3 million passengers |
| Market Segment | Focus on long-haul, premium, and cargo traffic |
Terminals, Passenger Experience, and Infrastructure Investment
Malpensa operates with two main passenger terminals, carefully managed to optimize passenger flow and service quality.
Terminals
- Terminal 1 (T1): The main terminal, handling the majority of intercontinental, European, and traditional flag-carrier flights. It features extensive commercial areas and premium lounges.
- Terminal 2 (T2): Primarily dedicated to budget airlines, notably serving Ryanair operations.
Olympic Readiness and Infrastructure Upgrade
MXP is undergoing a significant €30 million investment program specifically to prepare for the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. This upgrade focuses on enhancing Terminal 1 and optimizing passenger flow for high-profile events.
- T1 Enhancements: The arrivals zone is being fully refurbished as a dedicated welcome hub for athletes and officials, featuring streamlined processes for delegation transfers and fully accessible routes for Passengers with Reduced Mobility (PRM).
- Oversized Baggage Handling: A specialized baggage handling area is being installed to manage the high volume of oversized winter sports equipment (ski bags up to 270 cm).
- Ground Transport Optimization: A new dedicated bus parking area will be built at the railway station level to optimize traffic flow for the Olympic Games.
Premium Services
- Retail & Luxury: MXP’s commercial area saw a record year in 2024, with airside sales growing by over 17% and luxury retail spending surging, driven largely by the return of high-spending passengers from Asia and the Middle East.
- Lounges & Connectivity: Passengers have access to multiple premium lounges and free, high-speed Wi-Fi throughout both terminals.
- Hotels: Direct airport access hotels include the Sheraton Milan Malpensa and the Moxy Milan Malpensa.
Airlines and Global Route Network Expansion
Malpensa is a key player in connecting Italy to the world, characterized by an expanding portfolio of long-haul and strategic European routes.
Key Airlines and Strategic Growth
- MXP is a significant base for easyJet and Ryanair, alongside main flag carriers like ITA Airways, Lufthansa, and Turkish Airlines.
- Wizz Air is expanding its presence, planning to base its first long-range Airbus A321XLR at MXP from June 2025, which will enable new medium to long-haul routes.
New and Recovering Routes (2025/2026)
The airport is leveraging its strength in long-haul traffic with new service launches:
- Asia Connections: Vietnam Airlines launched its new three-weekly direct service to Hanoi in July 2025, significantly improving Southeast Asian connectivity. Other recent launches include flights to Tokyo–Haneda (ANA) and services to multiple Chinese cities (Beijing, Chengdu, Shanghai, Xi’an) by various carriers.
- North America: The network remains strong with expanded services from carriers like Air Canada and Delta, alongside new seasonal routes such as Boston (Delta) and Philadelphia (American Airlines).
- European Expansion (easyJet): New leisure and business routes launched for Summer 2025 include Biarritz (France) and Thessaloniki (Greece).
Transportation Connections to Milan and Lombardy
MXP offers fast and efficient transfer options to the city of Milan and surrounding areas.
| Mode of Transport | Destination | Duration (approx.) | Estimated Cost (EUR) | Key Information |
| Malpensa Express Train | Milano Centrale / Milano Cadorna | 40–50 minutes | €13–€20 | Fast, dedicated rail service connecting T1 and T2 to the city center and major stations. |
| Bus | Milano Centrale / Linate Airport | ~50–60 minutes | €10 | Operated by multiple companies (Terravision, Malpensa Bus Express). Most economical option. |
| Taxi (Fixed Rate) | Milan City (within Mura Spagnole) | ~50 minutes | €95–€100 | Fixed fare is generally offered for direct travel to central Milan. |
| Car Rental | On-site Pickup | N/A | Varies | All major international car rental agencies are available in both terminals. |
| Parking | On-site | N/A | Available capacity for over 10,000 vehicles, with various long and short-stay options. |
Environmental Leadership and Future Goals
Milan Malpensa is a recognized leader in airport sustainability, holding the highest Level 4+ ‘Transition’ under the Airport Carbon Accreditation program.
- Net Zero Target: MXP is committed to achieving Net Zero carbon emissions for its own operations by 2030.
- Decarbonization Roadmap: The airport is actively pursuing the implementation of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), aiming for the mandated 2% usage by 2025. Furthermore, it is heavily involved in planning for future hydrogen infrastructure to support ground operations and eventually hydrogen-powered aircraft by 2035–2040.
Contact Information
- Address: I-20090 Aeroporto Malpensa MI, ITALY
- Phone: +39 02 232323
- Website: www.milanomalpensa-airport.com