Milan Airports Soar to New Heights in 2024 with Nearly Forty Million Passengers and Over Fifteen Percent Jump in Non-Aviation Revenue, Fueling Global Expansion

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Milan Airports have soared to new heights in 2024, with nearly forty million passengers passing through and a remarkable 15.4% surge in non-aviation revenue, totaling €432 million. This impressive growth is largely fueled by a significant increase in long-haul traffic, especially from Asia, North America, and the UAE, as well as an expansion in premium services, retail, and dining options. The growth in both passenger numbers and commercial sales reflects the airports’ strategic efforts to enhance the traveler experience while boosting Milan’s position as a global aviation hub. These milestones not only signify the continued recovery of Milan’s airports but also contribute to their ongoing global expansion and prominence.

In 2024, Milan airports have set new benchmarks in aviation and commercial performance, marking another stellar year for both long-haul travel and non-aviation revenues. As the aviation industry continues to rebound, Milan has seen robust growth, with passenger numbers and commercial revenues exceeding expectations. This surge highlights the increasing demand for premium services, shopping, and dining experiences, as travelers return to Milan’s airports in record numbers.

Non-Aviation Revenue Surge

Milan’s airports recorded an all-time high in non-aviation revenue, with commercial sales—comprising retail, food, and beverage services—reaching €432 million, a remarkable 15.4% increase from 2023. This growth reflects the rise in spending per passenger, which has increased by 3.4%, with the average spend now standing at €11. The boost in non-aviation revenue is a significant part of Milan’s recovery strategy, capitalizing on the renewed interest in retail and dining offerings as passengers return to travel post-pandemic.

The retail segment saw substantial growth, with shops recording a 15.3% increase in sales. In particular, spending per passenger in this category grew by 3.1%, underscoring the demand for premium goods and luxury items. The food and beverage sector also enjoyed significant gains, with sales up by 16.6%, driven by a 4.5% rise in average passenger spending.

Malpensa Airport, Milan’s largest and busiest airport, stood out for its exceptional performance. Sales at the airside retail area increased by 17.5%, and passenger spending per visit grew by 5.6%. This impressive performance was primarily driven by the duty-free and specialty retail categories, which saw heightened demand as travelers returned to their shopping habits during flights.

Luxury Retail and Intercontinental Traffic

Milan’s luxury retail sector confirmed its prominent role in the city’s aviation industry, especially at Terminal 1, where luxury shops saw a revenue increase of 13.9%. Spending per passenger in this segment surged by 14.9%, further emphasizing the premium experience that travelers increasingly seek. The luxury sector’s performance was greatly influenced by the resurgence of long-haul traffic, particularly from Asia, North America, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Milan’s status as a global fashion and luxury hub is a significant draw for travelers seeking exclusive products.

Record-Breaking Passenger Traffic

Milan’s airport system experienced a significant boost in passenger traffic, with an 11.5% increase in the number of travelers compared to the previous year. The city’s airports set an all-time high, reaching a total of 39.3 million passengers in 2024. Malpensa Airport alone saw 28.7 million passengers, a significant increase that reflects the strong recovery in air travel and Milan’s growing prominence as an international aviation hub.

A key driver behind this growth has been the resurgence of long-haul traffic, which grew by 17% year-on-year. The return of pre-pandemic routes and the introduction of new connections to Asia were pivotal in this development. Notable new routes include Thai Airways’ direct flight to Bangkok, Hainan Airlines’ connections to Chongqing and Guiyang, and the first direct flight between Milan and Japan in 14 years, operated by ANA to Tokyo Haneda. These new intercontinental routes have solidified Milan’s position as a key gateway between Europe, Asia, and North America.

New Long-Haul Connections

Milan’s expanding long-haul connectivity was further strengthened with the launch of several new routes in 2024. Air China initiated flights to Chengdu, while China Eastern Airlines expanded its service to Xi’an, both of which enhanced Milan’s ties to China. Vietnam Airlines is also set to launch the first-ever direct Milan-Hanoi route in summer 2025, adding to the growing network of Asian destinations served by Milan’s airports.

Additionally, new services from the UAE and the Middle East played a crucial role in traffic growth. Beond, an all-business-class airline, began offering flights to Malé, and several Middle Eastern carriers, including Etihad Airways and Gulf Air, have expanded their frequency of flights to and from Milan. North America also saw increased connectivity, with seven carriers offering around 70 weekly flights. Delta Air Lines and Air Canada are both enhancing their winter capacity, and new routes to Boston and Philadelphia will be introduced in the summer of 2025.

Low-Cost Segment Growth

Milan’s low-cost carriers also contributed to the airport’s strong performance in 2024. EasyJet, one of the most prominent low-cost carriers in Europe, expanded its network with new routes to Las Palmas, Toulouse, and Salerno. The airline also introduced winter services to destinations such as Oslo and Pristina. Wizz Air and Ryanair followed suit, further solidifying Milan’s position as a hub for affordable travel. Ryanair strengthened its base at Malpensa with new routes to Athens, Marrakech, and Budapest, while Wizz Air expanded to a range of European cities, including Warsaw, Larnaca, and Malaga.

In addition to these low-cost carriers, Linate Airport has also benefited from expanded services. New routes from Vueling, Aeroitalia, and Sky Alps, alongside ITA Airways’ new connections to Malta, have bolstered Linate’s role in Milan’s overall aviation network. Following the European Commission’s mandate for Lufthansa to release slots tied to its acquisition of ITA Airways, easyJet has been granted additional slots and will soon launch new flights to Frankfurt, Brussels, and Vienna.

Continued Expansion for Summer 2025

Looking ahead to the summer of 2025, Milan airports are poised for even greater growth, particularly with the planned launches of new flights from easyJet, Ryanair, and other international carriers. New routes to Düsseldorf, Hamburg, and additional UK/EU destinations from Malpensa, as well as further flights to key destinations in Asia and North America, will continue to expand Milan’s global connectivity.

The city’s airports are not only increasing their international flight options but are also enhancing the overall travel experience for passengers. The surge in passenger traffic and non-aviation revenues is a clear indication of Milan’s status as a premier global travel destination, supported by a diverse range of airline partners and a strong retail and service sector.

Milan Airports have reached new heights in 2024, with nearly forty million passengers and a 15.4% increase in non-aviation revenue, driven by a surge in long-haul traffic, premium services, and retail growth. This impressive performance strengthens Milan’s position as a global aviation hub and fuels its continued expansion.

Conclusion

Milan airports have shown remarkable resilience and growth in 2024, driven by strong performance in long-haul traffic, non-aviation revenues, and new route expansions. With millions of passengers flocking to Milan, the city continues to solidify its reputation as a key international hub for both leisure and business travelers. The combination of strong commercial performance, luxury retail expansion, and an increasing variety of flight options ensures that Milan will remain at the forefront of the global aviation and tourism industries in the years to come.