In a last-minute compromise, designed to clear the way for the opening of Milan's new Malpensa hub on 25 October, the Italian Government granted a stay of execution for some regional services into the existing Linate Airport. Around one-third will be allowed to stay, at least for a time.
The original plan had been to transfer all services out of Linate except for the Milan-Rome shuttle. That provoked howls of complaint from carriers facing the move to an airport nearly 50km (30 miles) outside Milan. It also raised suspicions that Alitalia would gain an unfair advantage by retaining feed to Rome. Alitalia dominates on the route with two thirds of traffic, although competition is growing both from low-cost challenger Air One and now Virgin Express.
European transport commissioner Neil Kinnock eventually forced the issue, with demands that others be allowed to remain in Linate. Alitalia dismisses the complaints, saying that its focus has always remained on building a hub at Malpensa.
Source: Airline Business
