Bergamo Airport Terminal

Milan Bergamo Airport (BGY), also known as Orio al Serio International Airport, is one of the three main airports serving the Milan metropolitan area and the Lombardy region. It is the third busiest airport in Italy, handling over 17 million passengers annually. Known for its role as a hub for low-cost carriers like Ryanair, the airport connects passengers to over 140 destinations across Europe, North Africa, and beyond.

History

The airport was originally established in 1937 as a military airfield and transitioned to commercial operations in the 1970s. Over the decades, it has grown into a vital gateway for both leisure and business travelers, particularly due to its proximity to Milan and Bergamo. Continuous investments in infrastructure have allowed it to adapt to increasing passenger demand.

Terminal Layout

Milan Bergamo Airport operates a single passenger terminal divided into two levels:

Ground Level (Arrivals & Check-in):

Houses check-in counters on the left and security checks on the right.
Contains baggage claim areas and arrivals zones for Schengen, non-Schengen, and high-risk flights.
Features a few concessions, restaurants, and essential services like Lost & Found.

Upper Level (Departures):

Dedicated to boarding gates (1-11) and departure lounges.
Includes food outlets, retail stores, VIP lounges, and access to shopping areas near the gates.

Services

The airport offers a variety of passenger services:

Wi-Fi: Free unlimited Wi-Fi via Luna Social.
Lost & Found: Located in the arrivals area; operational Monday-Friday.
First Aid: On-site urgent medical assistance.
Other Amenities: ATMs, currency exchange, duty-free shops, luggage trolleys, car rentals, VAT refund services, pharmacy, chapel, and tourism information.

Lounges

Landside VIP Lounge: Open from 4:30 AM to 10:00 PM; offers snacks, drinks, Wi-Fi, and reading materials.
HelloSky Milan Bergamo Lounge: Open from 6:30 AM to 9:30 PM; provides internet access, refreshments, TV, and air conditioning.

Restaurants and Cafes

Location: Restaurants are located both before and after security checks. The selection is more extensive after passing through security.

Popular Options:

McDonald’s: Open from 5:00 AM to 9:30 PM, located after security.
Rossopomodoro: Offers authentic Italian cuisine in the public area, open from 11:30 AM to 9:30 PM.
Panino Giusto: Known for its pizza and sandwiches, located after security, open from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Caio: Serves pizza and paninis, open from 4:00 AM to 10:00 PM after security.
Eataly: Provides a wide range of Italian food, from breakfast to dinner.
Pizza Flor: Offers traditional Italian pizzas with a twist, featuring edible flowers.
Contadi Castaldi: A wine bar offering local and international flavors.
Beerstrotheque ELAV: Combines food with a selection of craft beers.
Berry & Coffee: A cozy coffee shop for a quick pick-me-up.

- Italy Loves Food: A dedicated area showcasing local culinary delights, perfect for sampling Italian specialties.
- Opening Hours: Most restaurants operate from early morning to late evening, but check specific times to avoid disappointment.

Shops

Location: Shops are predominantly located after security checks, offering a wide range of products.

Popular Options:

Fashion Boutiques: Brands like Aeronautica Militare and Boggi offer stylish clothing.
Duty-Free Shops: Ideal for purchasing tax-free cosmetics, perfumes, and liquor.
Souvenir Shops: Find unique Italian gifts and local specialties.
Bookstores and Newsstands: Stock up on reading material or grab a newspaper for your journey.

- Oriocenter Shopping Mall: Just a short walk from the airport, offering a vast shopping experience with a large grocery store (Iper) for last-minute essentials
- Duty-Free Allowances: Ensure purchases comply with airline and customs regulations.

Additional Tips for Travelers

Free Wi-Fi: Stay connected with free Wi-Fi throughout the airport.
Smoking Areas: Available after security checks for those who need them.
Lounges: Relax in one of the airport lounges, such as the Landside VIP Lounge or HelloSky, for a more comfortable experience.

Popular Flights & Durations

Milan Bergamo Airport serves numerous popular destinations:

London (2 hours)
Barcelona (1 hour 50 minutes)
Dublin (2 hours 30 minutes)
Marrakech (3 hours 40 minutes)
Athens (2 hours 15 minutes)

Future Developments

Milan Bergamo Airport is undergoing significant expansion projects to enhance capacity and passenger experience:

Terminal Expansion:

By mid-2025: A new check-in hall with 22 additional desks will streamline operations.
By late 2025: A state-of-the-art security area with advanced X-ray systems will eliminate the need for removing liquids or laptops during screening. Additional non-Schengen gates and an expanded duty-free area will further improve services.

Northern Apron & Taxiway:

Completed works include a new taxiway and three additional aircraft stands. These upgrades optimize runway use and reduce energy consumption by over 80%.

Rail Connection:

A direct train station linking the airport to Milan Centrale Station is under construction. Scheduled for completion by 2026, this sustainable project will enhance accessibility in time for the Winter Olympics.