For many European travellers, Chongqing remains less familiar than Beijing or Shanghai. Yet in today’s China, the city occupies a very different position. As one of the country’s leading industrial, technological and logistics centres, it has also become an increasingly attractive destination for international tourism. The direct connection with Milan Malpensa brings Western China closer to Lombardy, creating a non-stop link between two regions whose economic ties continue to grow.
The route was presented during an event in Milan organised by Chongqing Airport Group, SEA Milan Airports and Hainan Airlines, attended by Milano Luxury Life. The meeting concluded with the signing of a Strategic Cooperation Agreement between SEA and Chongqing Airport Group, covering passenger and cargo traffic, commercial activities and the exchange of expertise in airport management.
A market exceeding 1.2 million passengers
The figures presented by SEA explain why China has once again become one of Malpensa’s most important international markets.
Connections between Milan and Greater China now exceed 1.2 million passengers annually, while traffic increased by 36% during the first half of 2026 compared with the same period the previous year. Malpensa currently serves the region through seven airlines, eleven destinations and sixty weekly flights.
The Chongqing route alone carries around 50,000 passengers each year, recording a further 10% growth during the first six months of 2026. Hainan Airlines operates the service every Tuesday and Friday with flights HU427 and HU428, while its summer schedule also includes three weekly services between Milan and Shenzhen.
The Chongqing connection therefore forms part of a well-established Greater China network serving more than one million passengers every year, including business travellers, tourists, university communities and companies operating between Europe and China.
Lombardy at the centre of Italy–China relations
During his address, Zhang Chenggang, Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Milan, highlighted Lombardy’s pivotal role in bilateral relations and the importance of the Chinese community living in the region.
Milan brings together international trade, investment, universities, fashion and culture, while Malpensa serves as its principal intercontinental gateway.
The Consul General encouraged Italian citizens to take advantage of China’s visa-free entry policy, inviting them to experience the country’s economic transformation and entrepreneurial opportunities first-hand. At the same time, he expressed the hope that an increasing number of Chinese visitors would choose Milan and Italy, supported by direct air services and growing cultural and commercial exchanges.
The topic was further developed by Liu Zhaocai, General Manager of Hainan Airlines Italy, who reaffirmed the airline’s long-term commitment to the Italian market. Throughout 2026, Hainan Airlines continues to operate both the Chongqing–Milan and Shenzhen–Milan non-stop services.
Malpensa continues to expand its Greater China network
Speaking during the event, Luigi Battuello, Chief Commercial Officer of SEA Milan Airports, outlined the airport’s continuing expansion towards the Chinese market.
Milan’s airport system closed 2025 with 42.3 million passengers, the highest figure ever recorded by SEA. Within this record performance, Greater China remains one of the fastest-growing markets, accounting for more than 1.2 million passengers annually, while traffic rose by 36% during the first half of 2026.
The Chongqing route, operated by Hainan Airlines, already carries approximately 50,000 passengers each year and posted a further 10% increase during the first six months of 2026. Alongside this service, Hainan Airlines also connects Milan directly with Shenzhen, strengthening a network that now links Malpensa with several major Chinese cities.
For SEA, expanding air services to China goes well beyond aviation. It enhances Milan’s ability to attract international tourism, business travel, investment and commercial opportunities from one of the world’s most important economic markets.
Milan begins before leaving the airport
For millions of international travellers, Milan begins at Malpensa. Over the past decade, Terminal 1 has evolved into one of Italy’s most significant showcases for luxury retail. Its commercial promenade brings together many of the world’s leading fashion, jewellery and watchmaking brands, introducing visitors to Milan’s luxury identity before they even reach the city centre.
The airport hosts boutiques from Louis Vuitton, Hermès, Dior, Gucci, Prada, Giorgio Armani, Dolce&Gabbana, Brunello Cucinelli, Loro Piana, Zegna, Moncler, Bottega Veneta, Ferragamo, Tod’s, Bulgari, Damiani, Pomellato, Rolex, Omega, Longines, Montblanc, Burberry, Swarovski, Michael Kors and Ray-Ban, effectively extending Milan’s luxury shopping landscape into the airport itself.
SEA also revealed that luxury retail sales at Terminal 1 increased by 32.9% in 2025, driven largely by non-European passengers. Chinese travellers continue to rank among the airport’s highest-spending customers, underlining the importance of this market not only for airport retail but for Milan’s wider luxury ecosystem.
Alongside its retail offering, Malpensa continues to invest in premium hospitality through the Club SEA Lounges, Sala Montale, Sala Pergolesi and dedicated airline lounges, strengthening services designed for international premium travellers.
Chongqing is looking increasingly towards Europe
With a metropolitan population exceeding thirty million, Chongqing has become one of China’s leading industrial centres.
Automotive manufacturing, electronics, logistics, advanced manufacturing and research have transformed the city into a strategic hub within the Chinese economy. The direct connection with Milan simplifies travel for entrepreneurs, investors, buyers and professionals, reducing travel times between two regions with strong industrial traditions.
For Lombardy, the route strengthens access to one of Asia’s most dynamic economic areas. For Chongqing, it provides a direct gateway to one of Europe’s leading industrial and financial regions.
A connection that goes beyond aviation
A new air route does not change economic relationships on its own. It simply makes them easier to build.
Investment, tourism, business partnerships and international cooperation all move more efficiently when direct connections exist. The agreement between SEA Milan Airports and Chongqing Airport Group, together with Hainan Airlines’ expanding network, reinforces Malpensa’s position as one of Europe’s leading gateways to China while further strengthening Milan’s international profile.
The true value of this connection will become visible over time. The first traffic figures already point in a clear direction.
