Milan Bergamo Airport is investing in its northern apron and taxiway, a new terminal enlargement and the construction of a railway station.
“We have been working continuously to ensure the airport’s infrastructure development allows us to handle the ever-growing number of passengers we are experiencing, ensuring we can remain the leading choice for those travelling to and from the Lombardy region,” explained Giacomo Cattaneo, director of commercial aviation at airport owner SACBO (Società per l'Aeroporto Civile di Bergamo-Orio al Serio).
The refurbishment will see the duty-free space more than double in size
Expansion of the Northern Apron
The creation of a brand-new northern taxiway – Taxiway W – will see an increase of 35% in capacity to meet traffic volume expectations and to optimise the utilisation of the recently expanded northern side of the airport, predominantly for cargo, logistics and maintenance purposes.
The taxiway development will incorporate two new junctions – BB and BA. Three new aircraft stands will be created, designed to accommodate up to D-class specified aircraft. The opening of these stands will see the airport offer 48 independent stands for C-class aircraft (31 on the south apron, plus 17 on the north).
Further improving the airfield’s operation, the apron works will see a reduction of runway occupation time and energy consumption. Integrating an innovative low voltage power supply technology in the new infrastructure, the airport will see more than an 80% decrease in electricity consumption, while the reduction of components will result in the simplification of maintenance procedures and necessity.
Terminal expansion
Work on the terminal expansion has begun, with phase one due for completion at the beginning of July 2024.
Encompassing 78,000m3 of new construction, the initial development will include a check-in hall with the introduction of 22 new check-in desks, and baggage handling system extension.
The second phase, due to open in the summer of 2025, will consist of a 7,400m² extension of security, duty free and boarding hall areas. With the arrival of up to 14 C3-type security X-ray stations with state-of-the-art technology, Milan Bergamo passengers will no longer need to remove liquids and laptops from hand luggage. Two new non-Schengen gates will be added and the duty-free area more than doubled.
The second phase of the terminal expansion will consist of a 7,400m² extension of security, duty free and boarding hall areas
Particular attention has been, and will continue to be, given to the use of sustainable materials
Train station
Following the final approval last year for the new railway connection between central Milan and Milan Bergamo Airport, construction has begun on the tunnel which will link the airport’s arrivals hall to the new station. The latter will have four platforms, providing a sustainable and innovative service from the airport to the city centre. With final works set for completion by the start of 2026, the service will be ready for the 2026 Winter Olympics, which will take place in Milan and the Cortina d'Ampezzo ski resort.
“Throughout our progression and enhancement, particular attention has been, and will continue to be, given to the use of sustainable materials to reduce our environmental impact. SACBO’s investment in our airport is allowing us to further develop and place ourselves as one of the leading gateways in Milan, and indeed Italy,” Cattaneo concluded.
Images: Milan Bergamo Airport
