The Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 will take place from February 6 to 22, 2026, with the Paralympic Winter Games following from March 6 to 15, 2026. This marks a historic moment as they will be the first Olympic Games to officially be co-hosted by multiple cities, with Milan primarily hosting ice events, and the remaining events being hosted in clusters around Cortina, and the Valtellina and Fiemme valleys.

For business aviation operators, this presents both tremendous opportunities and significant operational challenges. With VIPs, corporate delegations, and high-net-worth individuals converging on Northern Italy, advance planning will be critical for successful operations during the Games.

Major Operational Challenges

One of the primary challenges operators will face is managing airport capacity across the entire North Italy region. With a significant increase in demand expected from VIPs, delegations, and corporate travelers, operators must plan well in advance to secure access to preferred airports. Coordinating ground handling, parking, and crew logistics will be particularly critical during peak arrival and departure windows.

The sheer geographic spread of the Games adds complexity. The Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 will be spread over an area of more than 22,000 sq km. Events will take place not only in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo but also in Bormio, Livigno in Valtellina, Predazzo and Tesero in Val di Fiemme, Anterselva/Antholz, and Verona.

Airport Infrastructure and Preparations

Local authorities are working closely with ENAC (the civil aviation authority), ENAV (air navigation service provider), and airport operators to enhance infrastructure and streamline procedures. Milan is being positioned as a key hub for business aviation, with expanded apron space and dedicated services.

Notably, the General Aviation Terminal at Milan Linate (LIML) will be expanded, and Universal Aviation is planning to introduce a new VIP passenger and crew lounge to accommodate the increased traffic.

Recommended Airport Options

Primary Entry Points

• Milan Linate (LIML): Enhanced GA terminal with new VIP facilities
• Milan Malpensa (LIMC): Major international gateway with expanded business aviation services
• Bergamo (LIME): Additional capacity for the Milan area

Strategic Alternative

Parma Airport (LIMP) is emerging as a particularly attractive option for operators. It offers several advantages:

• Less congestion than Milan airports
• Flexible handling arrangements
• Proximity to northern Italy’s key road networks
• Efficient turnaround times
• More reliable parking availability

For operators seeking to avoid the crowds while maintaining reasonable access to Olympic venues, Parma deserves serious consideration.

Premium Helicopter Transfer Services

For passengers interested in premium helicopter transfers directly to Olympic sites, specialized arrangements can be made. These helicopter services provide an exclusive and time-efficient way to reach venues while avoiding ground traffic congestion. Contact Universal Aviation Italy for the best helicopter transfer options tailored to your specific Olympic itinerary.

Critical Planning Requirements

Slot Coordination and Permits

Slot coordination will be mandatory at all major airports during the Olympic period. Parking will be extremely limited, especially for extended stays. ENAC is expected to release detailed guidelines soon, making early engagement with ground handling providers essential.

Booking Timeline

Operators should begin planning immediately. Hotel availability for crew will be particularly tight in Milan and Cortina, and ground services are expected to be stretched thin. Early booking is crucial to avoid last-minute complications and ensure service quality.

Lessons from Paris 2024

The Paris Olympics provided valuable insights for operators preparing for Milan 2026:

• Early slot and parking requests are essential
• Having backup airport options prevents disruptions
• Close coordination with local handlers is critical
• Flexibility and proactive planning are key to avoiding delays

These lessons underscore the importance of beginning preparations well in advance and having contingency plans in place.

Milan’s Unique Advantages

Milan offers a distinctive combination that sets it apart from previous Olympic host cities:

• Multiple international airports providing operational flexibility
• Strong existing business aviation infrastructure
• Proximity to luxury accommodations and venues
• Dedicated general aviation terminals at both Milan airports
• Growing network of regional alternatives like Parma

This infrastructure gives operators more options and flexibility compared to many previous Olympic host cities.

Additional Italy Operations Considerations

Operators should remain aware of ongoing regulatory updates, including Italy’s continuing disinsection requirement for certain flights. Staying informed about regulatory changes and maintaining compliance will be essential throughout the Olympic period.

The combination of Milan’s business aviation infrastructure, the scenic venues in Cortina and the surrounding Alps, and Italy’s world-class hospitality makes the 2026 Winter Olympics an attractive proposition for private aviation clients. However, the key to successful operations will be early planning, flexible alternatives, and close coordination with experienced local partners.

With proper preparation and the right support partners, operators can turn the challenges of Olympic logistics into opportunities to provide exceptional service during one of the world’s premier sporting events.