Milan Malpensa International Airport

Aeroporto "Ferrarin" Venegono Inferiore sits on the southern edge of Venegono Superiore, about 40 kilometres northwest of Milan. It is a small general aviation airport with a single asphalt runway, used primarily by flight schools, private pilots, and occasionally by Aermacchi for military test flights. Despite its modest size, the airport offers a handful of services that make it a viable alternative to the chaos of Malpensa for those flying privately or on small charters.

The airport is named after Arturo Ferrarin, a pioneering Italian aviator. Its location in the green hills of Lombardy, near the Parco Regionale Campo dei Fiori, gives it a spectacular setting that larger airports cannot match. The terminal building is compact but functional, with a duty-free shop, wheelchair-accessible facilities, and a staff that is notably helpful. Security is efficient, and passengers are often escorted personally to the gate – a level of service that is rare outside of very small airports.

Getting There

Aeroporto Ferrarin is located in the province of Varese, about 10 kilometres southeast of the city of Varese itself. From Milan, the fastest route is by car via the A8 Autostrada dei Laghi – take the "Varese" exit and follow signs for Venegono Superiore. The journey takes around 40 minutes in good traffic. Those coming from Malpensa Airport (MXP) can reach Ferrarin in about 25 minutes by car, making it a practical alternative for pilots or passengers looking to avoid Malpensa's congestion.

Public transport options are limited. The nearest train station is in Tradate, about 5 kilometres away, with regional trains from Milan Cadorna station. From Tradate, a taxi or local bus (line C) connects to Venegono Superiore. The bus stops near the airport entrance, but service is infrequent – check the local timetable in advance. For most visitors, a car or taxi is the most reliable way to reach the airport.

Inside the Terminal

The terminal at Ferrarin is small but well-organised. On arrival, passengers find a single entrance with a wheelchair-accessible ramp. The check-in area consists of a few desks; the security checkpoint is just beyond. Security staff are friendly and thorough, but queues are rare. The airport reports its busiest times on Monday at 2 pm and on other weekdays around 3 pm, but even then the crowds are minimal.

Once through security, the waiting area offers a view of the apron and runway. There is a duty-free shop that stocks a range of products – spirits, perfumes, local food items – at prices often lower than at larger airports. A small café serves coffee and snacks. The airport has a wheelchair-accessible toilet and standard toilets. The entire terminal is designed with accessibility in mind, including a wheelchair-accessible car park. Passengers with reduced mobility can expect a smooth experience.

Departure gates are not numbered; instead, staff direct passengers personally. This informal system works because the airport handles a low volume of traffic. Those travelling on private or charter flights appreciate the lack of stress. The terminal's small size means walking distances are short – from check-in to gate takes under five minutes.

Aeroporto "Ferrarin" Venegono Inferiore and Venegono Superiore

Venegono Superiore is a town of about 7,000 people, perched on the hills overlooking the Po Valley. Its history dates back to Roman times, but its modern identity is closely tied to aviation. The airport, opened in the 1930s, has been a centre for flight training and light aircraft operations for decades. The presence of Aermacchi, an aircraft manufacturer based in nearby Varese, means that military test flights are common. Visitors may see Aermacchi M-346 trainers or even the Frecce Tricolori – the Italian Air Force aerobatic team – conducting practice runs overhead.

The surrounding area is rich with attractions. The town itself has a medieval centre with the Church of San Giorgio and several old villas. The Parco Regionale Campo dei Fiori offers hiking trails with views of the Alps on clear days. For aviation enthusiasts, the Volandia Museum at Malpensa is a 20-minute drive away, housing a large collection of aircraft. But the real draw of Ferrarin is its atmosphere. Unlike the sterile environment of a major hub, here you feel close to the reality of flight – the roar of piston engines, the sight of small planes taking off and landing, and the occasional helicopter testing manoeuvres.

The airport also serves as a base for flight schools, so the apron is often filled with Cessnas and Pipers. This makes it a fascinating spot to observe general aviation in action. The staff, many of whom are aviation enthusiasts themselves, are happy to answer questions. For passengers arriving from abroad on private jets, the proximity to Lake Como and Milan makes Ferrarin a convenient entry point. The lack of congestion and the personal service are major advantages.

Practical Information

The airport has limited operating hours – it is not open 24/7. Confirm availability with the airport office before planning a visit. Contact details: phone +39 0331 864128, website https://www.aeroclubvarese.it/. The website provides information on flight schools and club activities.

Facilities: wheelchair-accessible entrance, car park, and toilet; duty-free shop; standard toilet. No ATM or restaurant, but the café serves light refreshments. Parking is free and ample.

Busiest times: Monday 2 pm, Tuesday 3 pm, Wednesday 3 pm, Thursday 1 pm – but even then it remains uncrowded.

One concrete tip: If you are flying privately or as a passenger on a small charter, consider using Ferrarin instead of Malpensa. The shorter queues, lower fees, and friendly staff make the journey far more pleasant. Just remember to call ahead to confirm the airport is open.