Milan is one of the busiest hubs for business aviation in Europe. The region is world-famous for its cuisine, architecture, history, and popular events. Milan is served by two airports of entry (AOEs): Linate (LIML) and Malpensa (LIMC).

In 2022, the summer peak season in Italy brought record traffic to Milan. Summer 2023 is projected to be even busier, making pre-planning any mission to Milan essential.

Here’s everything you need to know about choosing the best airport for your business aircraft traveling to Milan.

Milan Area Airport Options

Milan offers two good airports for business aviation, and both are relatively flexible and accommodating in terms of parking. Linate (LIML) is much closer to downtown Milan – and is often the preferred option for business aircraft operators – but Malpensa (LIMC) is also business-aviation-friendly and can accommodate larger wide-body aircraft. Working with your 3rd-party provider in advance of arrival will help ensure the best airport selection based on your operating requirements and final destination.

Linate is the city airport, about 10km and 10 minutes by car away from the city center and linked to Milan city center by taxi, public bus, or other type of private ground transportation. Malpensa is roughly 45km and 45 minutes by car from the city center, and it’s accessible by train, taxi, public bus, or other type of private ground transportation. Milan Malpensa Airport is also a suitable airport to reach Switzerland and other famous places such as Lake of Como.

Therefore, Both airports are good options with quality service providers, equipment, and facilities. Which airport you choose primarily comes down to your itinerary and final destination.

Linate is the city airport, about 10km and 10 minutes by car away from the city center and linked to Milan city center by taxi, public bus, or other type of private ground transportation. Malpensa is roughly 45km and 45 minutes by car from the city center, and it’s accessible by train, taxi, public bus, or other type of private ground transportation. Milan Malpensa Airport is also a suitable airport to reach Switzerland and other famous places such as Lake of Como.

Malpensa is roughly 45km and 45 minutes by car from the city center, and it’s accessible by train, taxi, public bus, or other type of private ground transportation. Milan Malpensa Airport is also a suitable airport to reach Switzerland and other famous places such as Lake of Como.

Milan-Linate

Curfews, Slots, Parking & PPR

Milan-Linate is open 24 hours with Customs and Police on site. The airport remains busy year-round, but no curfews, slots, or PPR are required, and parking is almost always available. Thanks to remote long-term parking stands and self-maneuvering positions for quick-turn around flights, parking availability is possible. Note: Parking must be prearranged. 

Linate is not a transit airport

Linate is not a transit airport. Therefore, for Non-EU and extra-Schengen flights, pax and crew must be subjected to Police and Customs checks. General Declaration is always mandatory for international flights.

Facilities & Ground Handlers

Universal Aviation Italy has had a presence in Milan for more than 30 years.

Linate has good facilities, including a dedicated General Aviation Terminal, dedicated crew and VIP pax lounges, hangar availability (on request), and maintenance and transport facilities. Linate’s ramp can accept aircraft up to BBJ2/320ACJ.

Hotels

There are abundant quality hotels available near the airport and the nearby city center, including Novotel, Air Hotel, and Crowne Plaza.

CIQ

On arrival, the captain will be required to sign a pre-filled-out general declaration (assuming your handler has prepared this in advance). Customs, immigration, and security checks are all performed at General Aviation Terminal.

Depending on the origin/destination, passports are checked and/or stamped, and the whole procedure takes 5-10 minutes. After that, your ground handler will take care of the luggage and transport it outside the terminal to be loaded according to passenger and crew ground transportation arrangements.

The captain will sign the pre-filled-out general declaration when the crew arrives at the airport. At Malpensa. Customs, immigration, and security checks are all performed at the General Aviation Terminal. Passengers will be transported to the aircraft once the customs/immigration process is completed (typically 5-10 minutes).

Your ground handler will take passenger luggage through security. They will be X-rayed and then transported to the aircraft. Remember that customs clearance is not available onboard the aircraft unless it’s a diplomatic flight or ambulance flight (with a patient in a condition where they are not permitted to walk).

Milan-Malpensa

Milan-Malpensa is open 24 hours a day, with Customs and Police on site. Malpensa is a sanitary airport.

Curfews, Slots, Parking & PPR

There are no curfews, slots, or PPRs required at Malpensa, and parking is always available. During the peak summer season, wide-body aircraft may be assigned remote parking. Your aircraft will not be relocated or moved without advance notice.

Facilities & Ground Handlers

Universal Aviation Italy – Milan-Malpensa has a VIP lounge, reception office for crew briefings, and a crew lounge.

Malpensa has a GAT, dedicated crew and VIP pax lounges, hangar availability on request, and maintenance and transport facilities.

Hotels

There are plenty of good hotel options near the airport, including First hotel Milano Malpensa, and Idea Hotel.

CIQ

On arrival, the captain will be required to sign a pre-filled-out general declaration (assuming your handler has prepared this in advance). Then, passengers are escorted to customs/police, which is in commercial terminal 2 at Malpensa. Dedicated lines (Fast Track) can be pre-arranged at LIMC to avoid having your passengers clear with commercial traffic.

Depending on origin/destination, passports are checked and/or stamped, and the whole procedure takes 5-10 minutes. After that, your ground handler will take care of luggage and transport it outside the terminal to be loaded according to passenger and crew ground transportation arrangements.

The captain will sign the pre-filled-out general declaration when the crew arrives at the airport. At Malpensa, your handler will escort passengers to the customs/police desk in commercial terminal 2 via dedicated “fast track” lines. Passengers will be transported to the aircraft once the customs/immigration process is completed (typically 5-10 minutes).

Your ground handler will take passenger luggage through security. They will be X-rayed and then transported to the aircraft. Remember that customs clearance is not available onboard the aircraft unless it’s a diplomatic flight or ambulance flight (with a patient in a condition where they are not permitted to walk).

Fuel

Either in LIML or LIMC, Passengers are not permitted onboard while fueling. It’s best to work with your ground handler if you have special requirements, such as having passengers onboard during fuel uplift. There are no fees directly associated with customs clearance. You will, however, pay fees to the Italian government for landing/takeoff, parking, and passenger boarding.

Catering

Caterers are available at both airports, and your ground handler can provide menus on request. Catering brought into Italy may be kept on board. However, if catering is offloaded from the aircraft, it must be disposed of. Catering orders should be made with 24 hours’ notice.

For information on catering options, you can contact Air Culinaire Worldwide.

Security

Airside access controls and airport security are of high standards at LIML and LIMC, with CCTV surveillance and 24-hour patrols. In addition, private aircraft guards can be arranged, with advance notice, for either airport with seven days’ notice. In the past, it was possible to obtain armed guard services, but these days the only options are unarmed guards.

Ground Transportation

It’s recommended to use prepaid transportation (with driver) to avoid language barriers and waiting for taxis (at either airport). At both LIML and LIMC, rental car facilities are located at arrival areas on the commercial side of the airport. Ground transportation is not permitted planeside at LIML. However, vehicles may be allowed on the ramp at LIMC if authorized by local police and approved in advance.

There is a train station located in Milan Malpensa airport with regular trips connecting to downtown Milan. We suggest booking in advance to avoid last-minutes inconveniences, such as sudden strikes.

Milan Peak Season

September is a hectic month in the Milan area as there are many events – such as the F1 Grand Prix and Fashion Fair. Therefore we suggest planning operations starting early in August.

April is the Milan Internationa Furniture Exhibition, which is a big international draw.

At Linate, during special events such as the annual Italian Grand Prix Formula 1 race, remote areas may be utilized for overnight parking.

At Malpensa, during the peak summer season, wide-body aircraft may be assigned remote parking. Your aircraft will not be relocated or moved at either airport without advance notice. Additionally, charter operators may be restricted to 36 hours on the ground within Italy (regardless of the airport) unless approved otherwise by the Italian Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

Conclusion

Two airports of entry (AOEs) serve Milan and are available to GA — Linate (LIML) and Malpensa (LIMC). LIML is 10 km from the city center, while LIMC is about 45 km from central Milan. LIMC accommodates overnight parking for any size aircraft. LIML accepts aircraft up to the size of a BBJ2/A320CJ for short overnight/ground stays.

Arrival and departure at either airport, including services (fuel, catering, etc.), will be smoother and faster in Milan if you coordinate requirements in advance with your 3rd-party provider or local ground handler. When traveling to this region during busy periods – particularly summer months and during special events – additional pre-trip planning is recommended to secure required parking.

Universal Aviation Italy has more than three decades of experience in Milan and has facilities at both Milan-Linate and Milan-Malpensa airports. Our team can help you choose the best Milan airport option for your mission.