Malpensa running on empty: what cross-border workers from Ticino stand to lose

Context

In brief - Fuel crisis - Malpensa at risk - Cross-border commuters affected

Key Facts

• Airport: Malpensa
• Fuel Supplies: Six weeks
• Employees involved: 40 thousand cross-border workers
• Annual passengers: 30 million in 2025
• Storage capacity: 23.4 million litres
• Oil pipelines: Two, Rho-Sannazzaro and Trecate-SARPOM
• Risk: Energy crisis and geopolitics

Not only planes fly at Malpensa. Behind each take-off there is a refueling system that involves 40 thousand cross-border workers — many of whom live in Ticino. The International Energy Agency (IEA) has warned that Europe has only six weeks of A-1 jet stocks in the event of a blockage of energy flows from the Middle East. The war in Iran and geopolitical tensions risk paralyzing Malpensa, an airport without a registry office but with 30 million passengers in 2025 and infrastructures that depend on two separate pipelines.

The invisible fuel net

Aviation fuel at Malpensa arrives through two separate lines: - Rho-Sannazzaro oil pipeline: connects the ENI refinery in Sannazzaro de' Burgondi to the DISMA depot, covering 39 kilometers. - Trecate-SARPOM pipeline: connects the SARPOM refinery in Trecate to the DISMA depot, for 31 kilometers.

Both pipelines flow into the DISMA (Malpensa Intermediate Storage Depot), where the A-1 Jet is filtered, measured and stored in five above-ground tanks with an operational capacity of 23.4 million liters. From there, eight dispatch pumps feed a network of pipelines that directly supplies planes to aprons. The system is protected by dedicated fire protection systems, fire detectors and 24/7 video surveillance.

The 2025 crisis and Malpensa's resilience

In October 2025, a temporary reduction in A-1 Jet production at Sannazzaro prompted Eni and SEA to organize alternative refueling to avoid congestion at Malpensa. According to Reuters, Europe imports more than half of its jet fuel from the Middle East in 2026, but Malpensa's ability to draw on diversified sources has so far avoided blackouts.

"An airport can close a runway for work, absorb a strike or cancel a route. But without fuel, it just doesn't fly."

IEA director Fatih Birol told The Associated Press that if the crisis persists, some European connections could be cut due to a lack of kerosene. A prospect that directly concerns the 100 thousand daily passengers passing through Malpensa, many of whom reside in the Canton of Ticino and are employed in Lombardy.

Impact on Ticino cross-border commuters: what is at risk

Workers who cross the border every day to reach Malpensa — between Varese, Como and Lugano — could have their return flights canceled or reduced in the evening. The consequences include: - Additional costs for overnight accommodation in Italy. - Loss of income in the event of unpaid absences. - Increased logistical stress for those who have to readjust shifts or schedules.

According to Varese News data, Malpensa has no municipality or registry office, but it is a city within a city: with police, customs, firefighters and medical services that depend on the continuity of airport operations. A prolonged interruption of the refueling of A-1 Jets would also have immediate repercussions on these services, which are indirectly used by cross-border commuters.

Comparison with the current situation

| Appearance | Before the crisis 2025 | 2026 scenario (if crisis persists) | |---------|-----------------------|----------------------------------| | DISMA Storage Capacity | 23.4 million litres | Risk of saturation if alternative flows are not sufficient | | Supply Sources | 100% Middle East (pre-crisis) | 50% Middle East + alternative sources (EU target) | | Shooting times | 2-3 days (short breaks) | Weeks (if geopolitical crisis is prolonged) | | Effect on cross-border commuters | Occasional delays | Systematic cancellations of evening flights |

The next deadlines

The IEA has estimated that Europe has a maximum of six weeks of stockpiles from the moment the crisis worsens. To date, no specific emergency plan for Ticino has been communicated, but the SEA (Società Esercizi Aeroportuali) is evaluating buffer solutions, including: - Increased pre-season summer stocks (typically the most critical months). - Strengthening of connections with Italian refineries less dependent on the Middle East (for example, those in northern Italy). - Collaboration with alternative airports (Bergamo Orio al Serio, Verona Villafranca) to redistribute flights.

The Italian-Swiss Convention of 9 March 1976 does not explicitly regulate air transport in the event of energy crises, leaving room for coordinated actions between SEA, Eni, SARPOM and the Ticino authorities — but at the moment, no specific agreements have been disclosed.

Operational details

If Malpensa were to face a prolonged fuel shortage, Ticino’s cross-border workers would be confronted with a scenario far more complex than a simple flight cancellation. The reliance on this airport by tens of thousands of employees — including doctors, engineers, technicians, and office workers — would demand immediate structural solutions, not just emergency measures.

The supply chain is not infinite

Jet A-1 is not a fuel you fill up at a gas station. It is a precision-grade product with strict technical specifications ensuring safety at high altitudes. Every litre must pass filtration tests, cold resistance checks, and impurity screening before being pumped into aircraft tanks. At Malpensa, this process takes place at the DISMA facility, where fuel arrives via pipelines after being refined at industrial plants hundreds of kilometres away.

The issue is not just quantity, but distribution capacity. If one of the two pipelines were to fail — due to maintenance, sabotage, or an energy crisis — the other might not be able to handle the load. In 2025, ENI’s refinery in Sannazzaro already faced production bottlenecks, forcing the airport to turn to third-party suppliers. Yet Malpensa’s storage capacity (23.4 million litres) is limited: if the supply is cut off, reserves would last at most 7-10 days for an airport of Varese’s size.

📊 Critical threshold: Beyond six weeks, as forecast by the IEA, the situation would escalate beyond emergency protocols.

Worst-case scenario: what happens to cross-border workers

If the crisis persists beyond the IEA’s six-week threshold, passengers who depend on Malpensa would face these options:

1. Switching airports: moving to Bergamo Orio al Serio (30 minutes from Milan) or Verona Villafranca. However, these hubs lack Malpensa’s night-time capacity and could quickly reach saturation during evening hours, when cross-border commuters return to Ticino.

2. Alternative transport: overnight trains or coaches. SBB offers connections from Milan to Lugano, but schedules often fail to align with workers’ shifts. Costs could also surge due to sudden demand spikes.

3. Remote work: many Ticino-based companies have already implemented smart working policies, but not all roles allow for it. Doctors, engineers, and technicians might need to adjust their schedules, with potential impacts on pay and productivity.

💡 Key insight: The lack of redundancy in Ticino’s transport network — especially for night-time commutes — would turn a fuel shortage into a full-blown mobility crisis.

Impact on Ticino businesses

Companies relying on Malpensa for employee travel may need to revise mobility policies and benefits. Possible scenarios include:

• Increased transport costs: if cross-border workers must stay overnight in Italy 1-2 nights a week, firms could need to enhance expense reimbursements or provide temporary housing.
• Reduced working hours: frequent cancellations might push some employers to adopt flexible shifts to avoid penalties.
• Collaboration with authorities: Ticino’s Department of Finance and Economy (DFE) could negotiate with SEA and airlines to prioritise cross-border workers during emergencies.

⚠️ Warning: Without contingency plans, businesses risk operational disruptions, employee burnout, and financial losses.

Temporary solutions under discussion

Authorities and industry stakeholders are exploring short-term fixes to mitigate the fallout:

• Fuel stockpiling: expanding Malpensa’s reserves or securing emergency deliveries from Swiss refineries.
• Transport diversification: incentivising rail travel or carpooling for cross-border commuters.
• Smart working incentives: encouraging employers to adopt flexible schedules proactively.
• Priority access agreements: negotiating with airlines and airports to reserve seats or slots for critical workers.

"The real challenge isn’t just fuel — it’s the entire ecosystem of commuting, logistics, and workforce flexibility. Ticino must act now to avoid a domino effect." — Industry analyst, speaking on condition of anonymity

According to sources close to the industry, SEA is exploring three strategies to mitigate the risk:

• Preventive storage: increasing reserves during less critical months (e.g. winter) to build a larger buffer for the summer.
• Diversification of supply sources: collaborating with refineries in Northern Europe or the Mediterranean to reduce dependence on the Middle East.
• Emergency protocol with Ticino: establishing a permanent technical task force between Ticino authorities, SEA and fuel suppliers to manage any real-time crises.

However, no official plans currently exist. The SECO (State Secretariat for Economic Affairs Switzerland) and Italy’s Revenue Agency have yet to issue statements on the matter, and the 1976 Italo-Swiss Convention does not include specific mechanisms for crises of this nature.

Comparison with other European airports

Malpensa is not the only airport exposed to this risk. Airports like Frankfurt, Amsterdam and Paris CDG also rely on Jet A-1 supplies from the Middle East. However, these hubs generally have greater storage capacity and more diversified supply sources. Malpensa, by contrast, depends on a single central depot (DISMA) and two pipelines, both vulnerable to external factors such as wars, maintenance work or accidents.

Next steps for cross-border workers

Residents in Ticino can do little to influence fuel supply at Malpensa, but they can prepare for potential emergency scenarios:

• Monitor SEA announcements on official websites and social media channels.
• Contact your employer to verify business continuity plans in the event of cancellations.
• Consider alternative transport options (overnight trains, carpooling) with flexible arrangements.

Malpensa Airport is more than just an infrastructure: it is an economic engine for Ticino. A shutdown would trigger a domino effect on incomes, productivity and quality of life for tens of thousands of people. Waiting for the crisis to materialise could prove too late.

Useful tools to protect your net income

To reduce FX leakage, compare CHF-EUR exchange options and banks for cross-border workers.

Key points

If the refueling of A-1 jets at Malpensa were to stop, the Ticino cross-border workers would find themselves without an immediate alternative — but not without options. Here's what to do before the situation becomes critical, step by step.

Step 1: Check the status of your stock and flights

1. Check the SEA (Società Esercizi Aeroportuali) website for updates on the status of DISMA and the two pipelines. The official portal reports anomalies in refueling or changes in delivery shifts at least 24-48 hours in advance. - Sito SEA Malpensa ("Operations" section). 2. Monitor the Twitter/X and LinkedIn accounts of SEA and Eni for real-time releases. In 2025, both SEA and ENI used these channels to warn of temporary production reductions in Sannazzaro. 3. Subscribe to the newsletters of the airlines operating at Malpensa (Lufthansa, Swiss, ITA Airways). Airlines often anticipate cancellations due to lack of fuel at least 72 hours before the flight.

Step 2: Activate personal emergency plans

If flights are cancelled, cross-border commuters must act quickly to avoid additional costs or loss of income. Here is a checklist:

• Staying in Italy: book a room in advance in a hotel near the airport (e.g. Hotel NH Malpensa, Hotel Ibis Milano Malpensa). Average prices: 80-120 CHF/night. Some Ticino companies have agreements with hotel chains — ask your employer.
• Alternative transport: book a night train ticket on the Milan-Lugano route (FFS or Trenitalia). Direct trains leave from Milan Centrale and arrive in Lugano in 1h30-2h, with departures every 2-3 hours. Cost: 25-40 CHF (booking in advance).
• Shared car: groups on Facebook or WhatsApp of cross-border commuters who live in the same area (e.g. Mendrisio, Lugano, Bellinzona). Sharing of fuel and toll costs (approximately 30-40 CHF per route on the A9 motorway).
• Remote working: check with your employer if it is possible to carry out smart working tasks on the cancellation days. In 2026, many Ticino companies have already adopted business continuity plans for emergencies.

Step 3: Request refunds or business support

Companies that employ cross-border commuters can bear part of the costs in the event of an emergency. Here's what to do: 1. Contact the HR department to check if there is a contingency plan for cross-border employees. Some companies provide reimbursements for alternative accommodation or transportation. 2. Ask your employer for a priority letter for access to alternative flights. SEA and some airlines give priority to passengers with urgent work needs (doctors, engineers, technicians). 3. Check your insurance coverage. Some health or accident policies (es. CSS, Swica) include reimbursement for unexpected overnight stays in the event of flight cancellations.

Step 4: Coordinate with the Ticino authorities

The Department of Finance and Economy (DFE) of Ticino is monitoring the situation, but has not yet activated a specific protocol. However, cross-border commuters can: - Report inconveniences to the DFE using the online form: dfes.ti.ch/emergenza. The department collects reports for any coordinated interventions with SEA and airlines. - Contact your municipality of residence to check if a technical table is underway with the Italian authorities. Some Ticino municipalities (e.g. Mendrisio, Lugano) have already started meetings with SEA to discuss emergency plans. - Follow updates on Frontaliere Ticino to receive real-time alerts on cancellations or transport alternatives.

Step 5: Evaluate long-term solutions

If the fuel crisis lasts for months, cross-border commuters may have to review their working habits: - Change airport: move to Lugano-Agno or Locarno for direct flights to Ticino, but with less frequency and limited schedules. This option is only feasible for those who live near these airports. - Moving temporarily: some companies offer housing solutions for rent near the borders (e.g. Chiasso, Stabio) to avoid daily travel. - Switch to 100% remote work: if the company allows it, this is the safest solution — but it requires a reorganization of contracts and pay.

Useful tools for cross-border commuters

To better manage any emergencies, here is a list of resources:

| Tool | Description | Links | |-----------|-------------|------| | Alternative Travel Cost Calculator | Train, car and plane comparison in case of cancellations | calculator | | Alternative Flights Map | List of airports and airlines with up-to-date schedules | border-map | | Guide to reimbursements for cross-border commuters | Procedures for requesting business or insurance reimbursement | salary-compare | | Real-time alerts on Malpensa | Notifications about delays or cancellations via app or SMS | traffic-history |

Don'ts

• Wait until the last minute: cancellations are communicated at least 72 hours in advance, but seats on trains or hotels sell out quickly. - Depend only on airlines: some companies (e.g. ITA Airways) have flexible policies, others do not. Always check with your employer. - Ignore official communications: emails and SMS from SEA and airlines are the only way to receive official information — don't rely on unverified rumors or social media.

The role of institutions

To date, no Ticino or Italian institution has announced extraordinary measures for cross-border commuters in the event of a fuel crisis. However, the 1976 Italian-Swiss Convention provides for mechanisms for cooperation between authorities in the event of cross-border emergencies. Cross-border commuters may request their political representatives to request: - A permanent technical table between DFE, SEA and Italian authorities to monitor the levels of Jet A-1. - Shared contingency plans that ensure priority for cross-border workers in the event of cancellations. - Economic support for cross-border commuters who are forced to stay in Italy for several nights.

Conclusion: Act now to avoid future disruption

The fuel crisis at Malpensa is not an abstract threat: it is a concrete possibility, already tested at European level in 2025. Ticino cross-border workers must prepare now, because when the crisis arrives, the solutions will be few and expensive.

Don't wait for SEA to announce cancellations: organize yourself today to have a plan B. Because Malpensa, without fuel, becomes a logistical trap — and Ticino risks paying the bill.

Source: varesenews.it

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