Malpensa changes its face in view of the 2026 Winter Olympics

Milan Malpensa Airport is preparing for a major transformation for the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games (23 January – 20 March).

A €30 million investment by SEA (the airport management company) will lead to the creation of new, more welcoming, functional, and sustainable spaces .

The goal? To offer a travel experience that lives up to the expectations of the more than 340,000 passengers expected in the 60 days leading up to, accompanying, and following the international sporting event.

The renovation project primarily concerns Terminal 1 , which will be the hub for welcoming athletes, official delegations, journalists, staff, and tourists. The changes will affect not only the airport's interior but also the exterior, with new access routes and spaces designed to facilitate mobility and ensure safety, efficiency, and comfort. Already in the months leading up to the start of the Games, Malpensa will be ready to become the primary point of contact between Italy and the Olympic world.

A more modern, green and inclusive Terminal

The infrastructure project aims to improve the quality of the spaces and create the Malpensa Primary Olympic Airport for the winter edition of the Games. The main innovations in the new arrivals area include:

• installation of new lighting points and innovative materials to create brighter, more sustainable and efficient environments,
• green areas that will make the airport more welcoming and in line with the principles of sustainability,
• Renovated, modern, bright and green relaxation areas and charging stations for electronic devices.

Particular attention has been paid to accessibility . Several architectural obstacles will be eliminated in key areas, such as the arrivals area, the short-term parking area, and the access portals to Terminal 1. Furthermore, separate routes will be introduced for athletes and people with reduced mobility, ensuring autonomy and safety during transfers.

The Ceremonial Hall , intended for heads of state and official delegations, will be completely renovated. A new parking area for local public transport buses is also planned, strategically located between the train ticket office and the Sheraton Hotel.

Everything will be ready by early 2026 before the start of the Olympics , with first delivery of the works scheduled for October 2025.

Sports equipment and record flows: the logistics challenge

During the Games, Malpensa will have to handle an exceptional amount of oversized baggage , much of it related to winter sports. It is estimated that a single Olympic skier will carry an average of 20-25 ski bags and approximately 30 pairs of skis.

For this reason, a special baggage area will be set up to accommodate large items, such as jump bags that can reach 270 cm in length.

The expected peak day is February 23, 2026 , when the airport could accommodate over 80 skiers with an estimated total of 4,000 oversized bags. For comparison, on a normal day, Malpensa handles around 300. The airport is therefore reviewing its entire logistics to ensure an orderly and rapid flow, even during peak times.

Furthermore, the arrival of over 150,000 spectators and 15,500 stakeholders the week before the start of the Games represents an unprecedented organizational challenge . Thanks to the upgraded infrastructure and direct connections with 73% of the participating nations, Malpensa aims to become the reference point for those flying to Italy for the Olympics.