The history of Milano Linate airport: a gateway to the fashion capital
The Milano Linate Airport, named after Enrico Forlanini, is one of Italy’s main airports and an important gateway to the Lombardy region. Managed by SEA, the airport handles domestic and short-haul European traffic. Although its official name is Aeroporto Enrico Forlanini, it is better known as Linate Airport, named after the locality near which it is located.
Featuring a single terminal and two runways, the airport offers efficient and quality services to passengers. It has undergone major renovation and modernisation works, which have made Linate a state-of-the-art airport, also from a technological point of view.
With its strategic location and its ability to handle a high volume of traffic, Linate continues to play a key role in connecting Lombardy with the rest of the world.
Linate airport has played a key role in connecting Milan to the world and fostering the growth of the fashion capital. We delve into the compelling history of this iconic airport and explore its evolution over the years.
The Milano Linate airport (IATA code: LIN) is named after Enrico Forlanini, a pioneer of Italian aviation in the 19th century. It is Italy’s eighth airport and the third airport in Lombardy (after Malpensa and Orio al Serio) in terms of passenger traffic.
How the need for a new airport in Milan arose
The history of Linate Airport begins in the 1920s, when the need for a new airport in Milan became apparent. The existing Taliedo Airport, located in the eastern part of the city, was becoming inadequate to handle the growing air traffic. Consequently, the growing need to expand communication with the rest of the world was the decision that prompted the construction of a new airport in the Linate district, a few kilometres east of the centre of Milan.
In 1932, Milano Linate Airport was officially opened, named after the famous Italian aviation pioneer Enrico Forlanini. The airport’s strategic location made it an ideal gateway to Milan, attracting both domestic and international flights. Initially, Linate Airport served as a military airport, but it soon expanded its operations to accommodate commercial flights as well.
Expansion and modernisation of Milano Linate
After World War II, Linate Airport experienced significant growth and underwent several expansions to meet the growing demand for air travel. The airport’s runway was lengthened and new terminals were built to handle larger aircraft and passenger volumes.
In the 1960s and 1970s, Linate Airport became a crucial hub for domestic flights, connecting Milan with other major Italian cities. Its proximity to the city centre made it a convenient choice for travellers, especially business professionals and fashion industry elites who frequented Milan.
A link between Milan and international fashion
One of the defining aspects of Linate airport’s history is its close association with the fashion industry. Milan, renowned as one of the fashion capitals of the world, has always attracted designers, models and fashionistas from all corners of the globe. Linate airport has become the main gateway for these fashionistas, playing a key role in establishing Milan’s reputation as a fashion hub.
The airport’s proximity to Milan’s fashion district and luxury boutiques made it an ideal arrival point for international fashion events, such as Milan Fashion Week. Stylists, buyers and fashion journalists flocked to Linate Airport, creating a vibrant atmosphere that reflected Milan’s glamorous and elegant reputation.
The challenges behind the continued success of Milano Linate and the renovations over the years
Over the years, Linate Airport has faced several challenges that have necessitated renovations and improvements. In 2001, the airport was temporarily closed following the tragic Linate disaster, when a Scandinavian Airlines plane collided with a private jet on the runway, causing numerous casualties. This accident prompted a review of safety measures and improvements to the airport’s infrastructure.
In recent years, Linate Airport has undergone extensive renovations to enhance its facilities and improve the passenger experience. The airport terminals have been modernised, incorporating state-of-the-art technology and design elements. These works have not only improved the airport’s functionality, but have also elevated its aesthetics, reflecting Milan’s reputation for elegance and style.
The Linate disaster of 2001
On 8 October 2001, at 8:10 a.m. local time, the tragic air disaster occurred at the Milan-Linate airport, with a final death toll of 118. This accident represents the worst air tragedy ever to occur in Italy and, limited to take-off collisions, is surpassed worldwide only by the Tenerife disaster of 1977.
The accident involved a private Cessna Citation CJ2, with registration D-IEVX, which mistakenly entered the main runway of the Milan airport and was hit by a McDonnell Douglas MD-87 airliner of Scandinavian Airlines, with registration SE-DMA, which was taking off as planned. The impact caused the death of the occupants of the Cessna and severely damaged the MD-87, preventing it from completing take-off and causing it to crash into a building used for baggage handling, located along the runway extension. Due to the impact and the ensuing fire, there were no survivors among the occupants of either aircraft, nor among the four baggage handlers working in the department. However, a fifth baggage handler named Pasquale Padovano, although severely burnt over most of his body, managed to survive, becoming the sole survivor of this terrible tragedy.
The disaster occurred less than a month after the 11 September 2001 attacks in New York and the day after the start of the war in Afghanistan that followed. This led many people to initially assume that it was a new terrorist attack. However, subsequent investigations revealed that it was an accident, caused by structural deficiencies at Linate airport, such as outdated and substandard signage, non-functioning ground radar and disabled runway intrusion detection sensors, as well as a series of human errors on the part of the Cessna pilots and air traffic controllers. It is important to note that, considering that at Linate, just 24 hours before the tragedy, an accident with the same circumstances had nearly occurred, and that at the time, an aircraft entering the main runway at a time when it should not have, occurred on average once a week, again at the Milan airport, for reasons similar to those mentioned above, the entire Linate airport was subsequently subjected to extensive renovation and adaptation.
Milano Linate Airport today
Today, Linate airport continues to be a vital transport hub for Milan and the surrounding region. Although it does not handle as many international flights as its counterpart, Malpensa Airport, Linate remains the preferred choice for domestic and European destinations. Its proximity to the city centre and efficient connections make it an attractive option for travellers seeking convenience and accessibility.
Linate Airport’s commitment to sustainability should also be emphasised. The airport has implemented several eco-friendly initiatives, including the use of renewable energy sources, waste reduction programmes and the promotion of electric vehicles. These efforts are in line with Milan’s broader commitment to environmental sustainability and contribute to the airport’s positive impact on the local community.
Milan Linate Airport is a testament to Milan’s status as a global city and fashion capital. From its humble beginnings as a military airfield to its current position as a bustling aviation hub, Linate Airport has played a crucial role in connecting Milan to the world. Its rich history, close ties to the fashion industry and commitment to modernisation and sustainability make it a symbol of Milan’s dynamism and forward-thinking approach.
As Milan continues to evolve and prosper, Linate Airport will undoubtedly remain an essential gateway, welcoming visitors from all corners of the world to experience the city’s unique blend of fashion, culture and Italian charm. With its strategic location, remarkable growth and dedication to excellence, Linate Airport will continue to shape the future of the Italian aviation industry and contribute to the city’s global reputation as a cultural and fashion powerhouse.
Official website of Milan Linate Airport
Where to sleep near Milano Linate Airport: of course at AN Park Hotel Milano Linate!
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The facade of an park hotel milano linate with the new official an hotels logo
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One of our luxurious, comfortable rooms at the an park hotel milano linate
Fast shuttle service from the airport to the city centre
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Luxury and comfort for your relaxation with AN Park Hotel ibis Styles Milano Est
Our internal private park with swimming pool at the an park hotel milano linate
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[su_box title=”Contacts”]AN Park Hotel ibis Styles Settala
Email: info@an-hotels.com
Phone: +3902839901
Address: Via delle Industrie, Snc, 20090 Milano
