Where is mxp airport

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Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: MXP Airport, officially known as Milan Malpensa Airport, is located in the Lombardy region of northern Italy, approximately 45 kilometers (28 miles) northwest of Milan's city center. It serves as Italy's second-busiest airport, handling over 28 million passengers in 2023, and operates as a major international hub with connections to more than 200 destinations worldwide.

Key Facts

MXP Airport is located 45 km (28 miles) northwest of Milan, Italy, in the Lombardy region
It handled 28.4 million passengers in 2023, making it Italy's second-busiest airport after Rome Fiumicino
The airport covers 13.5 square kilometers (5.2 square miles) with two passenger terminals
It serves over 200 destinations worldwide with more than 100 airlines operating there
MXP opened in 1909 as a military airfield and became a commercial airport in 1948

Overview

Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) is Italy's second-largest and most important international aviation hub, strategically positioned in the Lombardy region of northern Italy. Located approximately 45 kilometers (28 miles) northwest of Milan's city center, it serves as the primary gateway for international travelers to Italy's economic and fashion capital. The airport operates as a critical transportation node connecting Europe with global destinations across North America, Asia, and Africa.

The airport has a rich history dating back to 1909 when it began as a military airfield called Malpensa Aerodrome. It transitioned to commercial operations in 1948 and has since undergone significant expansion, most notably with the opening of Terminal 1 in 1998. Today, MXP functions as a dual-hub airport alongside Milan Linate Airport, with Malpensa handling the majority of international and long-haul flights while Linate focuses on domestic and European routes.

How It Works

Milan Malpensa Airport operates as a sophisticated transportation complex with multiple terminals, runways, and ground transportation systems.

Terminal Operations: MXP features two main passenger terminals. Terminal 1 handles approximately 90% of all traffic with 24 million passengers annually, while Terminal 2 serves primarily low-cost carriers. The terminals are connected by a free shuttle bus that operates every 7-15 minutes, covering the 1.5-kilometer distance between them.
Runway System: The airport has two parallel runways: Runway 17L/35R measuring 3,920 meters (12,861 feet) and Runway 17R/35L measuring 3,920 meters (12,861 feet). These runways can handle up to 60 aircraft movements per hour, accommodating everything from small regional jets to the largest commercial aircraft like the Airbus A380.
Airline Operations: Over 100 airlines operate at MXP, with major carriers including ITA Airways, easyJet, Ryanair, and Emirates. The airport serves more than 200 destinations across 70 countries, with particularly strong connections to North America (15 destinations), Asia (20 destinations), and the Middle East (12 destinations).
Cargo Operations: MXP is Italy's largest cargo airport, handling over 720,000 metric tons of freight annually. The cargo area covers 400,000 square meters and operates 24/7, serving as a critical logistics hub for Italy's fashion, automotive, and pharmaceutical industries.

Key Comparisons

Feature	Milan Malpensa (MXP)	Milan Linate (LIN)
Distance from Milan Center	45 km (28 miles) northwest	7 km (4.3 miles) east
Annual Passengers (2023)	28.4 million	9.1 million
Primary Function	International & long-haul hub	Domestic & European flights
Number of Terminals	2 passenger terminals	1 passenger terminal
Runway Length	3,920 meters (both runways)	2,442 meters
Major Airlines	ITA Airways, easyJet, Emirates	ITA Airways, Air France, Lufthansa

Why It Matters

Economic Impact: MXP generates approximately €12 billion annually for the regional economy and supports over 200,000 jobs directly and indirectly. The airport contributes significantly to Italy's GDP, particularly through tourism, with 65% of international visitors to Milan arriving through Malpensa.
Transportation Hub: As Italy's second-busiest airport, MXP handles 40% of the country's international air traffic. It serves as a critical connection point between Southern Europe and global markets, with particular importance for business travelers given Milan's status as Italy's financial and industrial capital.
Regional Development: The airport has spurred development in northwestern Lombardy, with the surrounding area now hosting numerous logistics centers, hotels, and business parks. The Malpensa Express train connection, which opened in 1999, provides direct service to Milan Central Station in 38 minutes, further integrating the airport with the regional transportation network.

Looking forward, Milan Malpensa Airport is positioned for continued growth with planned expansions including Terminal 1 renovations and increased cargo capacity. As global air travel recovers post-pandemic, MXP's strategic location and modern infrastructure make it well-positioned to strengthen Italy's connections with emerging markets in Asia and Africa while maintaining its crucial role in European aviation networks.