MSC Air Cargo Shifts Malpensa Flights to Brescia Hub

MSC Air Cargo will temporarily shift part of its operations from Milan Malpensa to Brescia starting March 31, 2026, as runway works at its primary hub are set to continue through June 10.

The move is designed to maintain schedule reliability and minimize disruption during the infrastructure upgrade at Malpensa, one of Italy’s key cargo gateways. By redistributing flights across alternative airports, the carrier aims to preserve connectivity on major long-haul routes while adapting to operational constraints.

From April, MSC Air Cargo’s twice-weekly service to Shanghai Pudong will be split between two departure points. One weekly flight will operate from Rome Fiumicino, while the second will be routed via Brescia. In addition, services to Hong Kong will be fully transferred to Brescia for the duration of the works, positioning the airport as a temporary focal point for the airline’s Asia-bound cargo operations.

The carrier is also planning to expand its network with new services to Ezhou, a growing cargo hub in China. These flights are expected to operate from both Brescia and Milan Malpensa, reflecting a flexible approach to network planning during the transition period.

Industry observers note that such temporary shifts are common during major airport infrastructure projects, particularly at high-traffic hubs where runway availability directly impacts capacity. By diversifying its operational base, MSC Air Cargo can continue to meet demand while avoiding significant delays or bottlenecks.

Supporting the expansion, the airline recently took delivery of its third Boeing 777-200 freighter, registered as I-MSCC. The addition of this aircraft increases capacity and provides greater operational flexibility, allowing the carrier to scale up services and adjust routing as needed.

The Boeing 777-200F is widely used in long-haul cargo operations due to its high payload capability and range, making it well suited for intercontinental routes between Europe and Asia. Its introduction into MSC Air Cargo’s fleet aligns with the company’s broader strategy to grow its presence in global air freight markets.

While the shift to Brescia is temporary, it highlights the airline’s ability to adapt quickly to infrastructure challenges while continuing to expand its network. Operations are expected to gradually return to Milan Malpensa once the runway works are completed in June.

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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com