05 February 2025

Airports in a changing world

The conference promoted by Sea as part of Airport Day on the strategic challenges of airports in global geopolitical evolution

The airports of Milan Linate and Malpensa participated in Airport Day , the national event, organized by Assaeroporti, with a conference dedicated to the challenges that airports will have to face in the geopolitical evolution that awaits us.

The event, moderated by the Financial Times correspondent in Milan Silvia Sciorilli Borrelli, was attended by experts and institutions, including Paolo Magri, President of ISPI, Andrea Giuricin, professor of Transport Economics, and Armando Brunini, CEO of Sea Milan Airports.

The scheduled dialogues addressed two key topics: the prospects of Italian and international air transport, and the strategic role of Milan in the global economic landscape, with the participation of Arianna Censi, Councillor for Mobility of the Municipality of Milan, and Elena Vasco, Secretary General of the Chamber of Commerce of Milan, Monza Brianza and Lodi.

Silvia Sciorilli Borrelli and Paolo Magri

Armando Brunini and Andrea Giuricin

Arianna Censi and Elena Vasco

The event turned the spotlight on the main challenges and opportunities for the airport sector in an ever-changing geopolitical context. The debate highlighted the crucial role of connectivity and liberalisation policies in adapting to an increasingly fragmented world.

Geopolitical tensions, the end of globalization as we have known it, and commitments related to decarbonization emerge as critical elements for the future of the sector. The need to take measures to reduce environmental impact has resulted in additional costs, putting pressure on the competitiveness of airlines and airports. In addition, airspace restrictions due to international conflicts have complicated routes, increasing operational and logistical costs.

Despite the global crises, the airport sector has shown an extraordinary ability to adapt, continuing to intercept passenger and cargo flows even in the most difficult moments. The evolution of the Italian market is a concrete example of this: thanks to a policy of liberalization, Italy has recorded growth above the European average in intercontinental traffic.

The key element is connectivity, which not only ensures more efficient travel for citizens, but is also a determining factor for economic attractiveness. The more well-connected a country is, the more competitive it is in global markets, particularly in trade relationships with emerging economies such as India, the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

Armando Brunini's speech in direct connection with the Airport Day press conference from Rome, in the presence of the Minister of Transport Matteo Salvini, underlined the importance of enhancing integrated and sustainable mobility, emphasizing the quality of connections, rather than their quantity. This approach aims to attract high-value tourist and commercial flows, strengthening Milan's competitiveness on the global scene.

Milan is establishing itself as a crucial hub in international air transport, thanks to the growth of its intercontinental connectivity and Malpensa's key role in cargo traffic. The liberalization of the sector and the economic attractiveness of the city have favored the expansion of routes, as evidenced by the increase in connections with China. Global events such as Expo 2015 and the 2026 Olympics further strengthen Milan's centrality in transport networks.

Future competitiveness will also depend on the ability to maintain a balance between expansion and sustainability, investing in technologies and infrastructure to reduce environmental impact without penalizing the growth of the sector.

The objective is clear: to strengthen intercontinental connections, improve the accessibility of territories and ensure that airport development policies are in line with the needs of the market and sustainability.

In an increasingly interconnected world, air transport remains a fundamental pillar for the economy and for the development of cities. Airports are no longer simple transit infrastructures, but real strategic hubs for trade, tourism and innovation.

The future of air mobility will depend on the ability to adapt to global challenges, focusing on connectivity, efficiency and sustainability.

Edited by the Editorial Board, Avion Tourism Magazine

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