Italy’s Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport is considering a proposal that would allow long‑haul flights from Milan Linate Airport (LIN) for the first time but only under strict conditions that limit operations to all‑business‑class aircraft.
Linate, located close to Milan’s city centre, is currently restricted by a 1,500‑kilometre perimeter rule that limits it to short‑ and medium‑haul routes. The new proposal would lift that restriction for select long‑haul services, provided airlines operate aircraft configured exclusively with premium seating and no economy cabin.
Why premium‑only aircraft?
Officials argue that an all‑premium layout aligns with Linate’s existing passenger profile, which skews towards higher‑yield travellers. They also suggest that lighter aircraft with fewer seats would help reduce noise and improve operational performance at the airport’s constrained site.
Early discussions have referenced potential interest in direct flights to New York, though no airline has formally announced plans to operate such a route.
A niche opportunity and a regulatory challenge
The premium‑only requirement significantly narrows the field of potential operators. Only a handful of carriers worldwide currently fly all‑business‑class aircraft, and most airlines would need to reconfigure aircraft specifically for Linate, a costly and operationally complex move.
Aviation observers note that the proposal is unusual: regulators rarely impose restrictions that exclude economy cabins on long‑haul routes. Critics argue that such a rule risks creating a two‑tier system, where only premium passengers benefit from Linate’s convenience while others must continue using Milan Malpensa for long‑haul travel.
What happens next?
The proposal remains under review, and Italian authorities have not confirmed whether the rule change will move forward. Questions also remain around aircraft performance, as Linate’s 8,000‑foot runway limits the types of long‑haul‑capable aircraft that can safely operate there.
If approved, the move would mark a significant shift in Milan’s aviation landscape opening the door to boutique long‑haul services from the city’s most centrally located airport, but only for airlines willing to commit to a fully premium model.