Key Takeaways
• Milan Bergamo Airport doubles check-in counters from 34 to 64 by spring 2025, easing wait times significantly.
• New state-of-the-art security area with 14 advanced X-ray stations allows no laptop or liquid removal.
• Expansion includes more boarding gates, larger duty-free zone, and rail link by late 2026.
Milan Bergamo Airport’s Major Check-In Area Upgrade: What Passengers, Airlines, and the Region Can Expect
As of late May 2025, Milan Bergamo Airport (BGY) is undergoing one of its most ambitious transformations in recent history. The airport, located in the heart of Northern Italy’s Lombardy region, is finalizing the first phase of a multi-year terminal expansion. The most visible and immediate change is a massive upgrade to the check-in area, which will nearly double its capacity and set new standards for passenger comfort and efficiency. This expansion is part of a €41 million investment by SACBO S.p.A., the airport’s operator, and is designed to meet the needs of a rapidly growing passenger base, new airline partners, and the broader regional economy.
Let’s break down what’s happening, why it matters, and how it will affect travelers, airlines, and the local community.
What’s Changing at Milan Bergamo Airport?
Who: Milan Bergamo Airport (BGY), operated by SACBO S.p.A., is leading the project.
What: The airport is expanding its terminal, with the most significant current development being a major upgrade to the check-in area.
When: The new check-in area is scheduled to open by spring 2025, with the full first phase completed by Q2 2025. Additional upgrades, including new security and boarding gates, will continue through 2026.
Where: All changes are taking place at Milan Bergamo Airport, located in Orio al Serio, near Bergamo, serving the wider Lombardy region.
Why: The airport is responding to sustained passenger growth, increased airline interest, and the need to improve efficiency, comfort, and security for travelers.
How: Through a phased construction plan that allows the airport to remain fully operational, SACBO is investing €41 million in new infrastructure, technology, and passenger amenities.
Key Features of the Terminal Expansion
Expanded Check-In Area
The centerpiece of the current phase is the check-in area upgrade. The number of check-in counters is increasing from 34 to 64, adding 30 new counters. This nearly doubles the airport’s check-in capacity, which is expected to:
- Reduce wait times for passengers, especially during busy travel periods
- Streamline passenger flow from arrival to security
- Accommodate new airline partners and more flights
According to Giacomo Cattaneo, Director of Commercial Aviation at SACBO, “These infrastructure projects represent a major step forward in Milan Bergamo Airport’s commitment to providing an enhanced travel experience for our passengers and partners. The phased expansions will not only support the increasing passenger traffic but also place us at the forefront of sustainability and innovation in the aviation sector.”
New Security Area and Advanced Technology
The second phase, set for completion in Q4 2025, will introduce a state-of-the-art security control area. This area will feature 14 new X-ray stations using advanced C3 technology. The main benefit for travelers is that they will no longer need to remove laptops or liquids from their hand luggage, making the security process faster and less stressful.
More Boarding Gates
- Non-Schengen gates: Increasing from 10 to 12 by Q1 2026, allowing more flights to destinations outside the Schengen Area.
- Schengen gates: Increasing from 15 to 16 by Q1 2025, supporting more flights within the Schengen Area.
Expanded Duty-Free and Retail Space
The duty-free area will more than double in size, growing from 600 square meters to 1,600 square meters by Q4 2025. This means more shopping and dining options for travelers, as well as new retail brands and food outlets.
Larger Terminal Footprint
The terminal itself is expanding by 3,720 square meters on the ground floor and 7,400 square meters on the first floor. This extra space will help ease congestion, improve comfort, and allow for new services.
Improved Access and Future Rail Link
The airport is also improving road access and parking facilities. By the second half of 2026, a direct rail link will connect Milan Bergamo Airport to Milan, Monza, Lecco, and Lake Como, making it even easier for travelers to reach the airport and nearby destinations.
For more details on Milan Bergamo Airport’s official expansion plans and updates, visit the official airport website.
Why Is This Expansion Happening Now?
Milan Bergamo Airport has seen rapid growth over the past decade, handling over 14 million passengers annually before the COVID-19 pandemic. The airport is a major base for low-cost carriers and serves as a key gateway for both leisure and business travelers to Northern Italy.
With travel rebounding and demand rising, the existing facilities were reaching their limits. Long lines at check-in and security, crowded boarding areas, and limited shopping options were common complaints. The terminal expansion and check-in area upgrade are designed to solve these problems and prepare the airport for future growth.
SACBO has already invested over €177 million in infrastructure over the past five years, with €41 million dedicated to the current terminal and check-in upgrade. This shows a strong commitment to keeping Milan Bergamo Airport competitive with other major airports in the region.
How Will the Changes Affect Passengers?
Passengers are at the heart of these upgrades. Here’s what travelers can expect once the new check-in area and other improvements are complete:
Faster and Easier Check-In
- 64 check-in counters will mean shorter lines and less waiting, even during peak travel times.
- More counters also make it easier for airlines to serve passengers quickly and efficiently.
Smoother Security Screening
- The new security area, opening in late 2025, will use advanced X-ray machines.
- No need to remove laptops or liquids from your bag, making the process quicker and less stressful.
- More security lanes will help prevent bottlenecks and keep passenger flow moving.
More Comfortable Boarding
- Additional Schengen and non-Schengen gates mean less crowding at boarding areas.
- Passengers will have more space to relax before their flights.
Better Shopping and Dining
- The expanded duty-free area will offer a wider range of products, from local specialties to international brands.
- New restaurants and cafes will give travelers more choices for meals and snacks.
Improved Access and Connections
- New road access points and parking facilities will make it easier to get to and from the airport.
- The future direct rail link will connect the airport to major cities and tourist destinations, making travel more convenient for both locals and visitors.
Step-by-Step Passenger Journey Post-Upgrade
- Arrival: Enter the airport through expanded access points, with improved traffic flow and new parking options.
- Check-In: Use one of the 64 counters, reducing queues and wait times.
- Security: Proceed to the new security area (from Q4 2025), where advanced X-ray machines allow laptops and liquids to remain in bags.
- Boarding: Access expanded Schengen and non-Schengen gates, with additional gates coming online through 2026.
- Shopping/Dining: Enjoy a much larger duty-free area and new retail options.
What Does This Mean for Airlines?
Airlines stand to benefit significantly from the terminal expansion and check-in area upgrade:
- Increased capacity: More check-in counters and gates mean airlines can schedule more flights and serve more passengers.
- Improved efficiency: Faster check-in and security processes help airlines keep flights on time and reduce turnaround times.
- Attracting new partners: The expanded facilities make Milan Bergamo Airport more attractive to new airline partners looking to enter the Northern Italy market.
Impact on the Lombardy Region and Local Economy
The expansion of Milan Bergamo Airport is not just about improving the passenger experience. It also has important implications for the local economy and the wider Lombardy region:
- Boosting tourism: Easier access and better facilities are likely to attract more tourists to the region, supporting hotels, restaurants, and attractions.
- Supporting business travel: Improved connectivity and efficiency make the airport a better choice for business travelers.
- Creating jobs: Construction, new retail outlets, and increased passenger numbers will create new employment opportunities.
- Strengthening regional status: The airport’s growth helps maintain Lombardy’s position as a major European travel hub.
Regional authorities and local businesses are supportive of the project, seeing it as a key driver of economic growth and international connectivity.
Sustainability and Innovation
One of the standout features of the Milan Bergamo Airport expansion is its focus on sustainability and innovation. The phased approach allows the airport to keep operating smoothly during construction, minimizing disruption for passengers and airlines.
The use of advanced security technology, energy-efficient building materials, and smart design principles positions the airport as a leader in sustainable, passenger-friendly airport development.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the investment in new technology and infrastructure is expected to set a new standard for regional airports, making Milan Bergamo Airport a model for others to follow.
What’s Next? Timeline of Key Milestones
Here’s a look at the major milestones in the Milan Bergamo Airport terminal expansion:
- Spring/Q2 2025: New check-in area opens, nearly doubling capacity.
- Q1 2025: Additional Schengen gate becomes operational.
- Q4 2025: New security control area with advanced X-ray technology and expanded duty-free area open.
- Q1 2026: Two new non-Schengen gates open, supporting more international flights.
- H2 2026: Direct train connection to Milan, Monza, Lecco, and Lake Como becomes operational, with a dedicated underground terminal link already completed.
- New airport hotel: Construction to begin soon, managed by an international brand, further enhancing passenger convenience.
No Immediate Policy Changes, But New Processes Ahead
While there have been no recent policy changes affecting passenger procedures, the expansion will introduce new processes and technologies for check-in and security. Passengers should stay informed about these changes by checking the airport’s official website or contacting SACBO directly.
For official information on travel procedures, security rules, and passenger rights in Italy, you can visit the Italian Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport.
Multiple Perspectives: What Stakeholders Are Saying
- Passengers: Most travelers welcome the reduced wait times, improved comfort, and expanded shopping and dining options.
- Airlines: Carriers appreciate the increased capacity and operational efficiency, which help them serve more passengers and keep flights on schedule.
- Local Businesses: Shops, restaurants, and service providers at the airport expect increased foot traffic and sales.
- Regional Authorities: Officials see the project as critical to maintaining Lombardy’s status as a major European travel hub and supporting economic growth.
Background: How Did We Get Here?
Before this expansion, Milan Bergamo Airport had already undergone several upgrades, including expansions to the western terminal and apron areas. The airport’s rapid growth, especially as a base for low-cost carriers, put pressure on existing facilities.
Over the past five years, SACBO has invested more than €177 million in infrastructure, with €41 million dedicated to the current terminal and check-in upgrade. These investments have helped the airport keep pace with rising demand and changing passenger expectations.
Practical Guidance for Travelers
- Plan ahead: Check the airport’s website for updates on construction, new facilities, and any changes to check-in or security procedures.
- Arrive early: While the new check-in area will reduce wait times, arriving early is always a good idea, especially during busy travel periods.
- Pack smart: Take advantage of the new security technology by keeping laptops and liquids in your bag, but always check the latest rules before you travel.
- Explore new amenities: Allow extra time to enjoy the expanded duty-free and dining options.
Contact and Further Information
For real-time updates, project details, and passenger information, visit the official Milan Bergamo Airport website or contact SACBO directly:
- Address: Via Aeroporto, 13, 24050 Orio al Serio BG, Italy
- Phone: +39 035 326323
Conclusion: A New Era for Milan Bergamo Airport
The upgrade to the Milan Bergamo Airport check-in area is just the beginning of a larger transformation that will benefit passengers, airlines, and the entire Lombardy region. With nearly double the check-in counters, advanced security technology, more gates, and expanded shopping and dining, the airport is set to become one of the most efficient and comfortable travel hubs in Europe.
As the project moves forward, travelers can look forward to a smoother, faster, and more enjoyable airport experience. Airlines and local businesses will also benefit from increased capacity and improved facilities. The region as a whole will gain from better connectivity and a stronger position in the European travel market.
Stay informed, plan your journey, and get ready to experience the new Milan Bergamo Airport—where innovation, comfort, and efficiency come together for a better travel experience.
Learn Today
Check-in Counters → Stations where passengers register their presence and check baggage before flights at the airport.
Schengen Area → A zone of 26 European countries with abolished internal borders for passport-free travel.
X-ray Stations → Security devices that scan luggage using X-rays to detect prohibited items efficiently.
Duty-free Area → Retail zones in airports selling goods exempt from local taxes and duties.
Phased Construction → A building plan executed in stages to allow operation during ongoing development.
This Article in a Nutshell
Milan Bergamo Airport is upgrading its terminal, nearly doubling check-in counters. Advanced security tech and expanded facilities promise faster processing and improved comfort. The €41 million project boosts capacity by 2025, supporting passenger growth and regional economy, preparing the airport as a leading hub in Northern Italy with new rail connections.
— By VisaVerge.com
