After a number of enquiries over the past few months, I have finally caved in and added a guide to spotting at Malpensa.

For viewing aircraft, Malpensa is one of the best airports in the world.  You can see aircraft airside, from check-in, lay-by's and most of the car parks. (T1 only--you can't see much from inside T2)

But just because it offers good viewing it doesn't mean to say that the spotting is easy.  Malpensa has quite a large police, Carabineri (Military police) and army presence, who all like to be in control.  So don't be surprised if they ask you for your documents (passport) and where you are staying (the Italians like their papers!!).

I personally tend to use one of two viewing points that are a little more secluded than standing at a check-in desk with your scope/bins out.

If it is a cold/wet/windy day then inside viewing is generally a good idea.  The best place to spot (but remember to be discrete at all times--ideally use mini-bins as these shall be ample for 90% of the stuff) is in a little passage behind the United colors of Benatton shop.  This is located on level 2 (T1--check-in) and next door to the McDonalds.  Security do go there.... To have a smoke (even though it is illegal to smoke in the terminal) so you have to be careful all the time.  The other semi-decent spot in the terminal is Burger King.  Here you can sit and read off the aircraft landing/taxi-ing.

If it is a glorious day then outside spotting is needed/recommended.  The best place for this is a car park on level 2 (T1).  To find it you go to level 2, exit the terminal, turn right and keep going.  It is easy to find.  The police do pop round every now-and-then but it is a place where a lot of Italian people go to see aircraft so you'll blend in with the crowed.  Again mini-bins shall be fine for most of the stuff (except certain things on 35R).

As with Linate photo's are a no-no although if your on the car park then it should be ok (just don't do it when the coppers are around!).

Like all Italian airports MXP goes quiet at lunch (Italians like there lunch break!) so be prepared for a quietish hour.

For the biz-jets then you have to go to T2.  There is a free bus between to two.  Keep your eyes out for the police choppers whilst on the bus
T1>T2 left hand side of motion, T2>T1 right.

HIGHLIGHTS…..
Virtually all the Alitalia long-haul fleet rotate through here on a regular basis.
Saudi MD90 Thurs & Sun
SU- day on Sundays
TS- day on Mondays
Air One, Volare, Air Europe, Azzurra