With Northern Italy home to a large South Asian diaspora, Milan Bergamo is highlighting its role as a strategic hub for long-haul services to the Indian subcontinent.
Around half of all Indian nationals in Italy live in the northern and central regions, with Lombardy alone hosting nearly 47,743 people of Indian origin. Milan Bergamo‘s catchment includes 85 per cent of the Indian diaspora in the broader region. Tens of thousands of residents of Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi and Sri Lankan origin live closer to Bergamo than any other major airport.
The presence of such a well-established South Asian population has grown alongside the Italian region’s economic development. Families from these communities maintain strong links with their countries of origin, frequently returning for family gatherings and cultural events. In addition, many have started businesses that trade with South Asia, importing food, textiles and other goods. This is creating demand for a continuous flow of people and cargo between Italy and the Indian subcontinent.
“Expanding our connectivity to Asia is a strategic move that aligns with our vision to position Milan Bergamo Airport as a key player within Europe,” said Giacomo Cattaneo, Director of Commercial Aviation, SACBO.
With Italy among the top European source markets for tourism to India, Northern Italy also continues to draw a growing influx of visitors from South Asia with Indian tourists.
Recognising the potential these markets hold for business and leisure travellers, Cattaneo added: “We are committed to enhancing our services to meet the growing demand. Bergamo is ready – our facilities, our staff and our vibrant community of travellers are all prepared to welcome new flights.”
Gulf carriers dominating air links
With a lack of direct flights between Bergamo and destinations in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, travellers currently rely on Gulf carriers that feed into Middle Eastern hubs.
These carriers have grown their operations in response to clear demand with regular one-stop flights to cities including Delhi, Colombo, Kathmandu and Dhaka.
Developing freight opportunities and trade links
As an export powerhouse, Lombardy alone accounts for over a quarter of Italy’s international exports. Industries across the region, from machinery and automotive parts to fashion and design, have growing customer bases or suppliers in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. Meanwhile, firms in South Asia, including IT, pharmaceutical and textile companies are also investing in Italy.
Milan already has a modern cargo facility and direct flights to the Indian subcontinent would help facilitate faster movement of high-value cargo and enable efficient e-commerce and freight transport.
Call for collaboration with airline partners
With its sights firmly set on making the most from growing demand to and from South Asia, Milan Bergamo is actively courting airline partners to consider new services to the Indian subcontinent. The airport, which has recently invested significantly in infrastructure upgrades to support future growth, emphasises that the market fundamentals are in place for successful operations.
“The strong South Asian diaspora of Northern Italy deserves direct connectivity and the first airlines to establish these links will find a welcoming market eager to embrace nonstop flights.”
