Linate

Slipping through time, imagine 1930s Milan. The bustling Taliedo Airport, once a marvel, now strained under the weight of progress. A new airport was needed. This led to the birth of Linate Airport, nestled beside the Idroscalo of Milan. Linate Airport, officially known as Airport Enrico Forlanini, quickly became Milan’s gateway to the skies. It’s named after Enrico Forlanini, a Milanese inventor and aeronautical pioneer. Interestingly, the airport buildings sit in Segrate, while the airfield mostly lies within Peschiera Borromeo. The name “Linate” itself comes from a small village in Peschiera Borromeo. Linate Airport has seen its share of transformations. Rebuilt in the 1950s and again in the 1980s, it constantly adapted to the demands of modern aviation. Due to its proximity to Milan’s city center, only 7 km east, Linate’s capacity was reduced in 2001. This was to mitigate noise and congestion. The airport now primarily handles domestic and short-haul flights within the EU and to the UK. A tragic event in 2001, the Linate Airport disaster, led to further reviews and improvements in safety regulations and practices. More recently, Linate Airport underwent major renovations. Between July and October 2019, the runway was resurfaced, and the terminal received significant upgrades. This temporarily shifted flights to Malpensa Airport, impacting around 2.5 million passengers. These upgrades, however, paved the way for Linate’s recognition as Europe’s Best Airport in its passenger category in 2023. Today, Linate Airport stands as a testament to Milan’s dynamic spirit, blending historical significance with modern convenience. It continues to serve as a vital link, connecting Milan to the world.