Where is mxp airport in milan

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Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) is located approximately 45 kilometers northwest of central Milan in the Lombardy region of northern Italy. It serves as Milan's primary international airport and Italy's second busiest airport, handling over 28 million passengers annually.

Key Facts

MXP is located 45 km northwest of Milan's city center
Handled 28.8 million passengers in 2023
Operates with two passenger terminals (T1 and T2)
Covers 13,570 acres (5,492 hectares) of land
Connected to Milan by Malpensa Express train taking 37 minutes

Overview

Milan Malpensa Airport (IATA: MXP, ICAO: LIMC) serves as the primary international gateway to Milan and the Lombardy region in northern Italy. Originally established as a military airfield in 1909, it has evolved into one of Europe's most significant aviation hubs. The airport's strategic location in the Po Valley makes it an ideal connection point between Southern Europe and global destinations.

Today, Malpensa operates as Italy's second busiest airport after Rome Fiumicino, with a rich history of commercial aviation dating back to 1948. The airport underwent major expansion in the 1990s, including the construction of Terminal 1, which opened in 1998. This transformation positioned Malpensa as a key competitor in European aviation, particularly for cargo operations and long-haul flights.

How It Works

Malpensa Airport functions as a comprehensive aviation facility with multiple operational components.

Terminal Operations: The airport features two main passenger terminals. Terminal 1 handles approximately 90% of all passengers with 24 check-in islands and 64 boarding gates. Terminal 2 primarily serves low-cost carriers and charter flights, with capacity for 3.5 million passengers annually. Both terminals offer extensive shopping, dining, and lounge facilities.
Runway Infrastructure: Malpensa operates two parallel runways: Runway 17L/35R (3,920 meters) and Runway 17R/35L (3,920 meters). These can handle simultaneous takeoffs and landings, accommodating up to 90 aircraft movements per hour. The runways support all aircraft types, including the Airbus A380 and Boeing 747-8.
Cargo Operations: As Italy's largest cargo airport, Malpensa handles over 700,000 tons of freight annually. The cargo area spans 300,000 square meters with 34 dedicated aircraft stands. Major logistics companies including DHL, FedEx, and UPS maintain significant operations here, making it a crucial European logistics hub.
Ground Transportation: Multiple transport options connect Malpensa to Milan. The Malpensa Express train provides direct service to Milan Central Station in 37 minutes, with trains departing every 30 minutes. Additionally, 12 bus companies operate services to various Milan locations, while taxi services and car rentals are available 24/7.

Key Comparisons

Feature	Milan Malpensa (MXP)	Milan Linate (LIN)
Distance from City Center	45 km northwest	7 km east
Primary Function	International & long-haul flights	Domestic & European flights
2023 Passenger Traffic	28.8 million	9.1 million
Runway Length	3,920 meters (both runways)	2,442 meters
Cargo Volume (2023)	712,000 tons	Minimal cargo operations
Airlines Served	100+ airlines including major global carriers	Primarily domestic & European carriers

Why It Matters

Economic Impact: Malpensa generates approximately €12 billion annually for the regional economy and provides direct employment for 20,000 people. The airport supports over 60,000 indirect jobs in related industries including logistics, hospitality, and retail. Its cargo operations contribute significantly to Italy's export economy.
Tourism Gateway: As the main entry point for international visitors to Northern Italy, Malpensa handles 65% of Milan's air traffic. The airport serves as a crucial hub for tourists visiting Milan's fashion districts, Lake Como, and the Italian Alps. In 2023, it facilitated tourism contributing €8 billion to the regional economy.
Aviation Innovation: Malpensa serves as a testing ground for aviation technology, including sustainable aviation fuel initiatives and automated baggage systems. The airport has implemented advanced security screening technology that processes 4,000 passengers per hour while maintaining high safety standards.

Looking forward, Malpensa Airport continues to evolve with planned expansions including Terminal 1 renovations and increased sustainable energy initiatives. The airport aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030 through solar power installations and electric ground vehicle fleets. As global travel patterns shift, Malpensa's strategic position ensures it will remain vital to Italy's connectivity and economic growth for decades to come.