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Verdict

Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD) scores higher overall at 8.3/10 versus Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) at 7.5/10.

Score comparison

Metric Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport Milan Malpensa Airport
FlightLogic Score 8.3 7.5
On-Time Performance 8.1 7.3
Passenger Experience 8.2 7.4
Facilities & Comfort 8.6 7.8
Lounge Score 8.8 7.6
City Sydney Milan
Country Australia Italy
Terminals 3 terminals (T1 international, T2/T3 domestic) 2 terminals (T1, T2)
Annual passengers 44M+ 28M+

Operational comparison

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

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

Detailed profiles

Sydney, Australia · SYD · #1 in this comparison

Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport

3 terminals (T1 international, T2/T3 domestic) · 44M+ passengers/year

8.3 / 10

How good is Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport?

Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD) scores 8.3/10 (Excellent) on FlightLogic's airport index — combining on-time performance (8.1), passenger experience (8.2), and facilities (8.6). Lounge quality rates 8.8/10. See full airport guide →

In short

Sydney SYD is rated 8.3/10 on FlightLogic with lounge score 8.8/10. International flights use Terminal 1 — Qantas First Lounge is the premium benchmark. Allow 60+ minutes for arrival biosecurity. See /guides/sydney-airport-lounge-guide and /reviews/qantas-first-lounge-sydney-review.

FlightLogic Score 8.3 Excellent
On-time 8.1 Departure reliability
Experience 8.2 Staff, queues, cleanliness
Facilities 8.6 Food, shops, seating
Lounges 8.8 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
8.1
Passenger Experience
8.2
Facilities & Comfort
8.6
Lounge score 8.8/10

Highlights

  • Terminal 1 handles all international traffic — Qantas First Lounge and Business Lounge are flagship products
  • Efficient customs and biosecurity — allow time for arrival processing on inbound UK flights
  • Domestic connections require terminal transfer (T1→T2/T3) with re-security
  • Strong Qantas and Oneworld hub for UK–Australia routings via Singapore or direct

Overview

Australia's primary international gateway — Qantas First Lounge and Oneworld partners in Terminal 1 for long-haul arrivals.

Terminal 1 international

All international arrivals and departures use Terminal 1. Qantas operates separate First and Business lounges with Neil Perry dining in the First Lounge.

Oneworld partners use Qantas lounges or the shared Oneworld lounge depending on tier and operating carrier.

Milan, Italy · MXP · #2 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 and /guides/milan-airport-lounge-guide.

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.

More comparisons

Compare Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD) against 59 other airports
Compare Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) against 59 other airports

FAQ

Which is better, Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport or Milan Malpensa Airport?

Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD) scores higher overall at 8.3/10 versus Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) at 7.5/10.

Which has better lounges, SYD or MXP?

Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD) scores higher for lounges at 8.8/10, versus Milan Malpensa Airport at 7.6/10.

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

Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD) has stronger on-time performance at 8.1/10 versus Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) at 7.3/10.