Milan Airports reached historic performance levels in 2024, showcasing remarkable travel and retail growth. While Europe’s aviation sector rebounded, Milan stood out through strategic expansion and effective airline partnerships. As a result, both Malpensa and Linate saw sharp rises in passenger numbers and spending.
Notably, Milan Airports handled 39.3 million travelers, a strong indicator of their growing global relevance. Malpensa alone saw 28.7 million passengers, boosted by full-service and low-cost carriers alike. Consequently, enhanced air access and route additions opened new travel options across Europe, North Africa, and beyond.
Meanwhile, Linate Airport benefited from newly freed-up slots, allowing easyJet to launch summer routes in 2025. These additions supported tourism and improved accessibility across regional destinations. At the same time, intercontinental flights from Asia and North America helped restore critical long-haul links.
Furthermore, international travelers drove luxury shopping demand higher. At Terminal 1, luxury retail sales jumped 13.9%, while spending per traveler rose by 14.9%. Thanks to premium visitors from Asia and the Gulf region, retail performance surged dramatically. Dining also thrived, with food and beverage sales increasing by 16.6%.
As more passengers stayed longer, they spent more time inside the terminals. In fact, average spending rose to €11 per person. Altogether, total commercial turnover reached €432 million, growing by 15.4% from 2023. Therefore, Milan Airports are now thriving commercial destinations, not just travel nodes.
Ultimately, this growth confirms Milan Airports’ transformation into economic engines. Their success story could inspire global airports to upgrade experiences, boost routes, and attract high-value travelers. Post-pandemic aviation recovery now has a leading example from Italy’s Lombardy region.
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