Once the bridesmaid to its sister airport at Linate modest Malpensa underwent an expensive facelift to emerge as Milan's new international hub. The new Terminal 1 was opened in 1998, designed to handle 24 million passengers each year, extensive car parking facilites were installed and a fast rail link to the city started operating in 1999. The old terminal, an eight minute bus ride away, has been refurbished and named Terminal 2.

Despite the heavy investment Malpensa has not been short of critics. Compared to Linate it is a long way from central Milan and although the fast rail link has improved connections travel by road is still relatively slow. A new highway is being built and existing road links upgraded.

A continuing battle between the Italian Government and the European Commission is also hindering the smooth running of the airport. The Italian authorities decision to move foreign airlines to Malpensa, leaving Linate to national flag carrier Alitalia, met stiff opposition from other carriers and is now at the heart of a so far unresolved problem.

The transfers were started but the European Commission stepped in and called a halt before they had ben completed. Confusion reigns and has compounded the early logistical problems Malpensa encountered.