Milan Bergamo Airport has announced record passenger numbers and revealed plans to expand its site, including terminal improvements and a doubling of its duty free footprint.

On 11 June, the airport handled over 54,000 passengers, a daily record. The growth demonstrates why the expansion plans are timely, managing company SACBO has said.

The airport currently ranks as Italy’s third largest, with around 13.1 million passengers in 2022. It serves 140 destinations in over 40 countries. 

Newly announced expansion plans include an additional 78,000 cubic metres of new terminal space. The initial development includes a revamped check-in hall with 22 new desks, and an extension to the baggage handling system. Phase one is due for completion in 2024.

The second phase, due in summer 2025, includes a 7,400sqm expansion of duty free, security and boarding hall areas.

Milan Bergamo will double its duty free space with the new development.

In addition, 14 new C3-type security scanners will be introduced. As such, passengers will no longer have to remove liquids and laptops from their hand baggage. 

Two non-Schengen gates will also be added.

Milan Bergamo Airport rail links

Following approval for a new rail connection to downtown Milan, the airport has revealed plans for a new station.

Four platforms will link the airport to the city, with a tunnel from Arrivals to the new transport hub.

Work will be completed by early 2026 ahead of the Winter Olympics, set to take place in the Lombardy region. 

Alongside the passenger-facing work, a new northern taxiway will be constructed at the airport.

Taxiway W will allow capacity to increase by 35%, and will also support cargo, logistics, and maintenance services. 

New aircraft stands will be able to accommodate up to D-class aircraft, in addition to the current 48 in use for C-class planes. 

A lower-voltage energy supply will run through the new infrastructure, cutting electricity consumption by as much as 80%.

‘Leading gateway’ in Milan and Italy

“We have been working continuously to ensure the airport’s infrastructure development allows us to handle the ever-growing number of passengers we are experiencing, ensuring we can remain the leading choice for those travelling to and from the Lombardy region,” said Giacomo Cattaneo, Director of Commercial Aviation, SACBO.

“Throughout our progression and enhancement, particular attention has been, and will continue to be, given to the use of sustainable materials to reduce our environmental impact.

“SACBO’s investment in our airport is allowing us to further develop and place ourselves as one of the leading gateways in Milan, and indeed Italy.”

Dario Nanna, Commercial Aviation Specialist, SACBO, added: “As more and more people choose our airport as their primary gateway, we understand that we have to go above and beyond to cater for them.”

Last year, ACI data showed an “extraordinary” rebound in traffic across Europe, with Milan Bergamo one of many airports to see its low-cost carrier traffic exceed pre-pandemic levels.