The 2024 Italian Grand Prix will be held Aug. 30 – Sept. 1, 2024, at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza often referred to simply as “Monza”, northeast of Milan. The Italian Grand Prix is one of the longest-running events on the motorsport calendar. This event will bring heavier-than-normal traffic to Milan and is one of the biggest events of the year in the region.

In 2024, we’ve seen higher-than-usual traffic numbers in Italy, including severe parking shortages in the South of the Country. Although the race is near Milan, which is the one region of the  country with available long-term parking, we do expect congestion, so planning ahead is paramount to ensuring a smooth mission.

General aviation (GA) arrivals for this event are expected to start the week before and will remain congested a day or two following the race. The following is an overview of what you need to know:

The Race

Monza (Italy) circuit.

The race will be held at Autodromo Nazionale Monza, northeast of Milan. Monza is located approximately 20 kilometers (about 12.4 miles) north of Milan, making it easily accessible for fans traveling from the city. Depending on traffic, it can take around 30 minutes to drive from downtown Milan to the circuit.

The schedule is as follows:

• Friday, August 30th: Practice
• Saturday, August 31st: Qualifying
• Sunday, September 1st: Race

Read full race details.

VIP Experience

Milan tends to be busier during the Italian Grand Prix weekend. Given the proximity of the Autodromo Nazionale Monza to Milan, the city serves as a base for many fans, teams, and officials attending the race. Hotels may be fully booked or have elevated prices, and you’ll likely notice an increase in activity in restaurants, bars, and other public places.

Often, there are special events, exhibitions, or parties related to F1 taking place in the city during the Grand Prix weekend. This can range from car displays in central squares to meet-and-greet events with drivers.

Primary Airports to Consider

The three main airports to consider when operating to the Italian Grand Prix are:

• Milan-Linate (LIML)
• Milan-Malpensa (LIMC)
• Milan Bergamo Airport (LIME)

You can read more in our Milan Business Aviation Destination Guide.

Milan-Linate (LIML)

Milan-Linate (LIML) is about 10km and 10 minutes by car from the city center. It is the closest airport to Monza, located around 20 kilometers (about 12.4 miles) away. It’s roughly a 30-minute drive from Linate to the Autodromo Nazionale Monza, although this can vary depending on traffic.

The period of the race is one of the busiest times of year for LIML.

NOTE: Universal Aviation Italy is reporting that there are rumors that there could be a NOTAM issued for LIMO preventing landings of GA flights in a specific time window. We are closely monitoring this and will update this article when/if a NOTAM is issued.

Milan-Linate operates 24/7 with on-site Customs and Police. There are no curfews, slots, or PPR requirements, though parking must be pre-booked. Remote long-term parking and self-maneuvering spots are available for flights. It’s essential to note that Linate isn’t a transit airport; thus, Non-EU and extra-Schengen flights must undergo Police and Customs checks. A General Declaration is mandatory for international flights.

Linate boasts a General Aviation Terminal, crew and VIP lounges, hangar space (upon request), and maintenance facilities. The ramp can accommodate aircraft up to a Boeing 727-200. Universal Aviation Italy has served Milan for over 30 years.

For CIQ processes, pax and crew undergo checks within the GA Terminal, typically lasting 5-10 minutes, facilitated by their handler. Afterward, luggage is transported outside for loading as per ground transportation arrangements.

Milan-Malpensa (LIMC)

Malpensa Airport (LIMC) is located about 45km and 45 minutes from the city center. The distance from Malpensa Airport to the Monza track is roughly 55 kilometers (about 34 miles). The drive typically takes around 40 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic conditions.

Malpensa Airport (LIMC) operates without curfews, slots, or PPR requirements, and parking needs to be requested in advance. During peak summer months, wide-body planes might receive remote parking assignments, but aircraft are not moved without prior notification.

Milan-Malpensa offers amenities including a VIP lounge, reception office for crew briefings, and a dedicated crew lounge. Malpensa itself houses a General Aviation Terminal, specialized lounges for crew and VIP passengers, and provides hangar space upon request, as well as maintenance and transport facilities.

Regarding CIQ, captains are expected to sign a pre-prepared general declaration upon arrival, facilitated by the handler. Passengers then proceed to customs/police located in Malpensa’s commercial terminal 2. To streamline the process, “Fast Track” lines can be pre-arranged, bypassing standard commercial traffic. The entire procedure usually lasts 5-10 minutes. Once complete, ground handlers manage luggage transportation, ensuring it’s routed to the appropriate passenger and crew vehicles. Note: Onboard customs clearance is reserved for diplomatic and specific medical flights.

Orio al Serio International Airport (LIME)

Sunset over Bergamo Airport in Italy.

The distance between Orio al Serio International Airport (LIME) and downtown Milan is roughly 45-50 kilometers (about 28-31 miles). The drive typically takes around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic conditions.

The distance from Orio al Serio International Airport to the Monza track is approximately 30 kilometers (about 18.5 miles). The journey by car would typically take around 30 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic.

Given its proximity to Monza and relatively easy access to Milan, Orio al Serio International Airport is a popular choice for many attending the Grand Prix, especially those traveling on budget airlines, as the airport is a major hub for several low-cost carriers.

LIME is open 24/7. Slots are not required. PPR is required.

LIME has a GAT and parking is usually available with few limitations.

Hotel Availability

Hotel room pricing in Milan and close to the race circuit may not be available and prices will be higher than usual, with extended cancelation policies likely in place during the Grand Prix. It is not unusual for last-minute crew bookings to have to find hotels in other cities around 1.5 hours from Milan.

Local Transport

Pre-paid transport (car with driver) is recommended for travel to/from the race circuit to Milan. We do not recommend rental vehicles for most crew transport as vehicle parking will be extremely difficult at the race venues. Helicopter transfers can be considered to and from the airport and the racetrack, but there are no options for helicopter services between the city centers and the track. As helicopter transfers will be in high demand over this period, we suggest requesting these services as early as possible.

Zika Reminder

Italian Health Authorities require a pest treatment certificate or a declaration that your aircraft hasn’t been to Zika or Aedes Aegypti-affected areas in the last 28 days. If it hasn’t, provide a signed document listing airports visited, in both Italian and English, on company letterhead. Email this letter to the Health Authority at your destination at least 12 hours before landing. Use our Zika disinfection service at Stansted if needed.

Early coordination and flexibility in airport choice are crucial for those planning flights to these regions to ensure smooth operations. Read more here.

Conclusion

When operating to Milan for the Italian Grand Prix, it’s best to arrive a day or two before the start of the race and to depart a day or two after the race is over. This will allow operating into and out of congested airports. Be aware that LIML may issue a NOTAM restricting GA operations If you’re planning on operating to the Italian F1 Grand Prix, Universal Aviation Italy can help!