As climate change pushes global airports to adapt like never before, Italy’s Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) is leading the charge with its bold Re-MXP programme — an ambitious plan to make one of Europe’s busiest hubs more resilient, sustainable, and ready for an unpredictable future.

From record heatwaves to sudden flash floods, Malpensa’s location in northern Italy means it faces both alpine runoff and extreme rainfall — threats that can quickly overwhelm ageing infrastructure. Recognising this, SEA Milan Airports launched the Re-MXP initiative in 2021 with a €24 million investment, co-financed by the European Union’s Connecting Europe Facility (CEF).

By Jarryd Sinovich

Smarter Flood Defences, Smarter Operations

At the heart of Re-MXP is tackling flooding — now an almost yearly threat. Following a major flood in 2021, the airport upgraded its stormwater drainage network, installed new underground retention tanks, and reinforced infiltration wells to absorb runoff faster. Targeted interventions in five high-risk zones mean runways and taxiways are better protected, helping keep flights moving safely when storms hit.

Earthquake-Ready — Just in Case

Even though Milan sits in a low seismic zone, Malpensa isn’t taking chances. Terminal 1 is getting comprehensive seismic retrofits to ensure that vital airport services can continue with minimal disruption, aligning with the highest EU infrastructure safety standards.

Real-Time Monitoring: Predict and Protect

The Re-MXP project goes beyond concrete and pipes — it’s powered by real-time tech. Malpensa is deploying a smart monitoring system that tracks weather conditions 24/7, giving operators advance warning to deploy teams, reroute traffic, or shut down vulnerable areas if needed.

More Than Resilience: A Blueprint for Green Airports

Re-MXP is just one part of SEA Milan Airports’ wider commitment to sustainability. From cutting emissions to protecting local biodiversity and reducing noise impact, the group’s vision is clear: a climate-resilient airport must also be a sustainable one.

“Future-proofing is no longer optional — it’s how we keep people, operations, and communities safe,” says a SEA spokesperson. “With Re-MXP, Malpensa aims to set a benchmark for other European hubs.”

A Model for Europe and Beyond

As air traffic continues to rebound post-pandemic, Milan Malpensa’s investment sends a powerful signal to the global aviation industry: resilience and sustainability must go hand in hand if airports are to keep pace with a rapidly changing climate.