I’m thrilled to sit down with Katarina Railko, a seasoned expert in hospitality, travel, and tourism, whose insights into the aviation and events industry are second to none. With her deep experience and passion for connecting people through expos and conferences, Katarina offers a unique perspective on the latest developments at Milan Bergamo Airport. In this interview, we dive into the airport’s remarkable summer performance in 2025, exploring the surge in passenger numbers, the growth of international markets, significant infrastructure improvements, and what lies ahead as the airport gears up for major events like the Winter Olympics. Let’s get started.
How did Milan Bergamo Airport fare this summer in terms of passenger traffic, and what does this say about its role in the region?
Milan Bergamo Airport had an outstanding summer in 2025, handling 4.8 million passengers between June and August. This impressive figure underscores its position as a vital gateway in northern Italy, not just for local travelers but also as a hub connecting Europe with growing international markets. It reflects the airport’s ability to meet rising demand and solidify its status as one of Italy’s busiest and most dynamic airports.
What were the key drivers behind reaching such a high passenger volume during these peak months?
Several factors played a role. The introduction of new routes and services boosted connectivity, while strong demand across both European and non-Schengen markets fueled growth. Additionally, the airport’s timely infrastructure upgrades, like expanded check-in facilities, ensured they could handle the influx efficiently. It’s a combination of strategic planning and market trends aligning perfectly.
Can you elaborate on the growth in non-Schengen traffic and highlight some of the standout markets?
Absolutely. Non-Schengen traffic grew by 1.7% year-on-year, totaling 1.05 million passengers. Egypt was a major highlight with a 36% surge, alongside Bosnia and Herzegovina, where numbers nearly doubled. These markets showcase how targeted route expansions and leisure travel demand are opening up new opportunities for the airport beyond traditional European boundaries.
Speaking of Egypt, what’s behind the significant 36% increase in passenger numbers there?
The growth in Egypt, reaching nearly 83,000 passengers, was largely driven by Air Cairo’s new service to Sharm El Sheikh, a popular leisure destination. On top of that, existing routes continued to see strong demand as travelers sought out sunny escapes. It’s a clear sign of how tailored services to high-demand spots can create substantial growth.
Bosnia and Herzegovina saw an incredible near-doubling of passengers. What contributed to this remarkable jump?
That’s right, passenger numbers hit 17,342, and a big part of that was SkyAlps launching flights to Mostar, which tapped into new demand. Additionally, sustained interest in Sarajevo routes helped maintain momentum. It’s a great example of how smaller, emerging destinations can have a big impact when paired with the right airline partnerships.
Let’s shift to the United Arab Emirates, described as a fast-growing market. How did routes to Dubai and Sharjah perform this summer?
The UAE market shone brightly. Dubai held steady with double-daily services, ensuring consistent traffic, while Sharjah saw a 21% increase over the summer. These routes are becoming cornerstones for Milan Bergamo, not just for direct travel but also as key connection points for further destinations, which adds to their appeal.
How does the UAE function as a gateway for long-haul leisure travel from Milan Bergamo, and which destinations are travelers heading to from there?
The UAE serves as a crucial hub for onward connections to some of the world’s most sought-after leisure spots. From Dubai and Sharjah, passengers are connecting to places like Bangkok, Colombo, Kuala Lumpur, the Maldives, Zanzibar, and Phuket. It’s a strategic link that extends Milan Bergamo’s reach to exotic, long-haul destinations, catering to the growing appetite for global travel.
Turning to Europe, which countries topped the list for international traffic at the airport this summer, and how did they perform?
Spain led the pack as the top international market, drawing huge numbers of travelers. Close behind, Greece, Portugal, France, and Turkey all showed strong demand throughout the summer. These countries highlight the airport’s strength in serving popular European leisure and cultural destinations, which remain a core part of its traffic.
The airport rolled out major infrastructure upgrades before the summer. Can you tell us about the expansion of the check-in area and its impact on travelers?
Certainly. The check-in area was nearly doubled in capacity, going from 34 to 64 counters, including 22 self-drop units. This upgrade streamlined the process, cut down waiting times, and made the start of a journey much smoother for passengers. It was a critical move to manage the high volumes during peak season without compromising on experience.
What are the BGY EXECUTIVE facilities, and how have they changed the game for passengers?
The BGY EXECUTIVE facilities are a premium offering designed to elevate the travel experience for both scheduled and private flight passengers. They provide a more exclusive, comfortable environment with enhanced services, catering to those seeking a bit more privacy or efficiency. It’s a smart addition that caters to diverse passenger needs and boosts the airport’s appeal.
How have these infrastructure investments helped the airport manage the intense summer traffic?
The investments were a game-changer. With expanded check-in counters and improved passenger processing areas, the airport could handle the 4.8 million passengers without major bottlenecks. These upgrades ensured efficiency and comfort, allowing travelers to move through the airport with ease even during the busiest months.
Looking forward, how is Milan Bergamo Airport preparing for the winter 2025/26 season with the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics on the horizon?
Preparations are in full swing. The airport is focusing on enhancing capacity and connectivity to meet the expected surge in visitors for the Winter Olympics. With modernized facilities already in place and plans to expand the network further, they’re positioning themselves as a key entry point for international and domestic travelers heading to the games.
What is your forecast for the airport’s growth and challenges as the Winter Olympics approach?
I anticipate significant growth in passenger numbers leading up to and during the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, as the event will draw global attention. The challenge will be managing this influx while maintaining service quality. However, with their recent infrastructure successes and strategic planning, I’m confident Milan Bergamo will rise to the occasion and continue to strengthen its role as a major Italian hub.
