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 2024, the summer peak season in Italy brought record traffic to Milan. Summer 2025 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 before 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. It is linked to Milan city center by taxi, public bus, or other types 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. Because of the 2026 Winter Olympics, Linate is renovating its private terminal. Milan Malpensa Airport is also suitable for reaching Switzerland and other famous places such as Lake Como, and its VIP terminal has recently been rebuilt.

Therefore, both airports are good options with quality service providers, equipment, and facilities. Which airport you choose primarily comes down to your itinerary and 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, except for specific NOTAMs of runway closure. Customs and police are present on-site during the night on prior request. The airport remains busy year-round, slots, or PPR are required, and parking is almost always available. Parking is possible thanks to remote long-term parking stands and self-maneuvering positions for quick-turn-around flights. Note: Parking must be prearranged.  Linate has a GAT terminal to accommodate private flights and VIP Lounges.

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 with clearance at the terminal. The 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

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

CIQ

On arrival, the General Declaration is mandatorily requested for international flights. Customs, immigration, and security checks are all performed at General Aviation Terminal. Custom/Immigration clearance cannot be performed at the aircraft.

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.

Milan-Malpensa

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

Curfews, Slots, Parking & PPR

No curfews, slots, or PPRs are required at Malpensa, and parking is always available. During the peak summer season, parking is not always granted and should be notified and checked in advance. 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 VIP pax lounges, hangar availability on request, and maintenance and transport facilities.

Hotels

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

CIQ

On arrival, passengers and crew are escorted through customs and immigration at the dedicated 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.

On departure, 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 unavailable onboard the aircraft unless it’s a diplomatic or ambulance flight (with a patient in a condition where they are not permitted to walk).

Fuel at LIML & LIMC

In LIML or LIMC, passengers cannot be onboard while fueling. Therefore, passengers must disembark during the entire procedure. 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-hour 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

Using prepaid transportation (with a driver) is recommended 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 by planeside at LIML. However, vehicles may be allowed on the ramp at LIMC if authorized by local police and approved in advance.

Linate is connected to the city by bus or underground, and it has recently opened. Milano Malpensa is linked to the city center thanks to the train station inside the airport with regular trips to downtown Milan. We suggest booking in advance to avoid last-minute inconveniences like sudden strikes.

Milan Peak Season

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

April is the Milan International Furniture Exhibition, 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, wide-body aircraft may be assigned remote parking during the peak summer season. Without advance notice, your aircraft will not be relocated or moved at either airport. 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 aircraft of any size. LIML accepts aircraft up to the size of a BBJ2/A320CJ for 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 over three decades of experience in Milan and facilities at Milan-Linate and Milan-Malpensa airports. Our team can help you choose the best Milan airport option for your mission.