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FlightLogic is an independent, advertising-supported information service that lets you compare airlines, airports, hotels, and travel products. We do not provide financial advice and we do not recommend specific products or providers. Links marked * are advertising links and may earn us commission at no extra cost to you — always read the terms of any product before booking or applying. Learn more about how we make money.

Verdict

Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) scores higher overall at 7.5/10 versus London Stansted Airport (STN) at 6.9/10.

Score comparison

Metric Milan Malpensa Airport London Stansted Airport
FlightLogic Score 7.5 6.9
On-Time Performance 7.3 6.7
Passenger Experience 7.4 6.8
Facilities & Comfort 7.8 7.0
Lounge Score 7.6 6.8
City Milan London
Country Italy United Kingdom
Terminals 2 terminals (T1, T2) 1 main terminal
Annual passengers 28M+ 28M+

Operational comparison

Transport links, lounge access, connection times, and UK261 eligibility — verify locally before travel.

Policy MXP — Milan STN — London
Rail / public transport
To city centre
Lounge day pass
Min. connection time
Primary hub carriers

Detailed profiles

Milan, Italy · MXP · #1 in this comparison

Milan Malpensa Airport

2 terminals (T1, T2) · 28M+ passengers/year

7.5 / 10

How good is Milan Malpensa Airport?

Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) scores 7.5/10 (Very Good) on FlightLogic's airport index — combining on-time performance (7.3), passenger experience (7.4), and facilities (7.8). Lounge quality rates 7.6/10. See full airport guide →

In short

Milan MXP scores 7.5/10 — northern Italy hub. Malpensa Express ~50 min to city. See /guides/best-airlines-uk-italy-2026 and /guides/milan-airport-lounge-guide-2026.

FlightLogic Score 7.5 Very Good
On-time 7.3 Departure reliability
Experience 7.4 Staff, queues, cleanliness
Facilities 7.8 Food, shops, seating
Lounges 7.6 Lounge quality
Rating basis Editorial FlightLogic methodology

Score breakdown

Modelled on industry airport indices — on-time data, facilities ratings, and editorial experience signals combined into a single FlightLogic score.

On-Time Performance
7.3
Passenger Experience
7.4
Facilities & Comfort
7.8
Lounge score 7.6/10

Highlights

  • Gateway to Milan, Lake Como, and Dolomites ski resorts in winter
  • Malpensa Express to Milano Centrale ~50 min — reliable rail link
  • ITA Airways T1 lounge; easyJet base for UK low-cost
  • Compare Rome (/airports/rome) for central and southern Italy

Overview

Northern Italy's primary hub — ITA Airways and easyJet base with UK routes from Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton, and Manchester for Milan, Lakes, and ski transfers.

Northern Italy routing

MXP suits Lombardy, Piedmont, and Swiss border transfers. Bergamo (BGY) is Ryanair's Milan airport — cheaper but 50 km from city centre.

Winter ski season (Dec–Mar) sees heavy UK package traffic — book parking and lounge early.

London, United Kingdom · STN · #2 in this comparison

London Stansted Airport

1 main terminal · 28M+ passengers/year

6.9 / 10

How good is London Stansted Airport?

London Stansted Airport (STN) scores 6.9/10 (Good) on FlightLogic's airport index — combining on-time performance (6.7), passenger experience (6.8), and facilities (7.0). Lounge quality rates 6.8/10. See full airport guide →

In short

London Stansted (STN) is rated 6.9/10 on FlightLogic — primarily a Ryanair and Jet2 leisure hub. Stansted Express to Liverpool Street ~45 min. Escape Lounge for Priority Pass. UK261 covers all departures. See /guides/stansted-airport-lounge-guide-2026.

FlightLogic Score 6.9 Good
On-time 6.7 Departure reliability
Experience 6.8 Staff, queues, cleanliness
Facilities 7.0 Food, shops, seating
Lounges 6.8 Lounge quality
Rating basis Editorial FlightLogic methodology

Score breakdown

Modelled on industry airport indices — on-time data, facilities ratings, and editorial experience signals combined into a single FlightLogic score.

On-Time Performance
6.7
Passenger Experience
6.8
Facilities & Comfort
7.0
Lounge score 6.8/10

Highlights

  • Ryanair's largest UK base — dominant low-cost hub for Europe and Mediterranean leisure routes
  • Stansted Express reaches London Liverpool Street in ~45 minutes — fastest rail link among London secondary airports
  • Single-terminal layout simplifies navigation; Escape Lounge accepts Priority Pass with pre-book recommended
  • UK261 applies to all UK-departing flights — including Ryanair and Jet2

Overview

London's third airport and Ryanair's largest UK base — single-terminal design, Stansted Express to Liverpool Street, and Escape Lounge for Priority Pass holders.

Ryanair hub and low-cost operations

Stansted is Ryanair's largest UK base, handling the majority of Europe and Mediterranean leisure traffic from London's eastern corridor. easyJet and Jet2 also operate significant schedules. For UK travellers chasing lowest fares, STN often undercuts Gatwick and Luton on the same routes — but factor in Stansted Express rail costs and strict Ryanair baggage rules.

UK261 compensation applies to all flights departing Stansted regardless of fare paid. A 3+ hour arrival delay on a UK-regulated flight triggers £220–£520 per passenger if the delay was the airline's fault.

Getting to central London

Stansted Express runs to Liverpool Street every 15 minutes at peak, taking ~45 minutes. National Express coaches serve Victoria and other London terminals — often cheaper but slower in traffic. Uber/Bolt use signed ride-app zones landside.

Compare STN against Gatwick (/airports/gatwick) and Luton for your route — Stansted wins on Ryanair frequency; Gatwick wins on Virgin long-haul and lounge depth.

FAQ

Which is better, Milan Malpensa Airport or London Stansted Airport?

Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) scores higher overall at 7.5/10 versus London Stansted Airport (STN) at 6.9/10.

Which has better lounges, MXP or STN?

Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) scores higher for lounges at 7.6/10, versus London Stansted Airport at 6.8/10.

Which airport is more on-time, MXP or STN?

Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) has stronger on-time performance at 7.3/10 versus London Stansted Airport (STN) at 6.7/10.