Malpensa airport’s Re-MXP project showcased in Brussels as a model for climate-resilient infrastructure

At the European Parliament, the event “Climate Adaptation in TEN-T: Resilient Airports and Ports for a Sustainable Future” highlighted the urgency of adapting transport infrastructure to climate change. The gathering brought together key European stakeholders to discuss how to reinforce sustainability and resilience across the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T).

Opening remarks were delivered by Pierfrancesco Maran (Member of the European Parliament), Antonio Decaro (Chair of the ENVI Committee), and Pawel Wojciechowski (TEN-T North Sea–Rhine–Mediterranean Corridor Coordinator). A key session featured Nevena Gavalyugova-Bolsi of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport, who presented a recent study on cross-border climate adaptation needs. This was followed by insights into two exemplary resilience initiatives: the Port of Antwerp-Bruges and Milan’s Malpensa Airport.

Malpensa’s Re-MXP project, presented by Alessandro Fidato, COO of SEA Milan Airports, stood out as the only airport-focused case among the five highlighted in the European Commission’s study. Initiated in 2021 with over €24 million in total investment, and co-financed by the EU’s Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) with €7.6 million, Re-MXP focuses on three core areas: reducing hydraulic risk through upgraded drainage systems, seismic retrofitting of Terminal 1 to ensure operational continuity, and implementing a smart multi-risk monitoring system for real-time data collection and predictive maintenance.

“We are working to make Milano Malpensa Airport even safer and better prepared to face natural events and the effects of climate change,” said Fidato. “Thanks to the Re-MXP project and the support of the European Union, we are investing today in the resilience of our infrastructure to ensure business continuity even in the event of extreme weather phenomena. Our goal is to safeguard connectivity as a strategic hub within the European network, while improving airport performance and enhancing the passenger experience.”

Re-MXP is the first major implementation of SEA’s Climate Change Adaptation Plan, which guides infrastructure improvements with a focus on long-term sustainability.

Pierpaolo Settembri, Deputy Head of Cabinet for the European Commissioner for Transport and Tourism, offered an institutional overview of policy directions for reinforcing infrastructure resilience. The second half of the event fostered dialogue among the European Commission, Parliament, port and airport sectors, and the European Investment Bank. Closing remarks came from Carlo Secchi, TEN-T Atlantic Corridor Coordinator.

The event underlined the strategic need for collaborative adaptation to climate risks and investment in resilient, future-ready transport infrastructure.

More info here. 

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