Zurich Airport: Greater punctuality due to revised SAIP

Aviation in Switzerland is a matter for the Swiss Confederation. In the SAIP, the Swiss Confederation defines the conditions for the operation and infrastructure of airports. Zurich Airport is one of the most important infrastructures in our country. It fulfils the mandate of the Swiss Confederation to connect Switzerland to the world by providing the best possible connections. To ensure that this mandate can continue to be fulfilled, it is crucial that the current operating hours are maintained.

Targeted measures to reduce noise and improve punctuality

In its feedback, Zurich Airport Ltd. supports in particular the proposed operational adjustments set out in the SAIP, including the optimization of approach and departure routes as well as the extension of the runways and the south-facing start on a straight runway when the bise (north east wind) is blowing, which has been planned for years. It has also requested an increase in the noise charges for delayed departures after 11:00 p.m. This aim of this regulatory measure is to create an incentive for flights to be more punctual and quieter planes to be used during the noise-sensitive nighttime hours. (reference to the old MM) All of these measures will help to reduce delays at Zurich Airport – especially during the sensitive nighttime hours.

No additional operating restrictions

As an international hub, Zurich Airport is of great importance for Switzerland’s connections to the rest of the world. There are no other comparable airports in Europe with such short operating times as those currently in place at Zurich Airport. The current operating times must not be shortened any further, otherwise the airport will not be able to continue to operate as a hub and maintain good international connections. Keeping the last half hour (11:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.) to reduce delays is therefore crucial. Without this option, many long-haul routes would no longer be able to be run while breaking even. Zurich Airport Ltd. therefore expressly welcomes the wording in this object sheet to maintain the current operating hours at Zurich Airport.

Reviving delayed proceedings

The revision of the SAIP object sheet is based on a ruling by the Federal Administrative Court, which demanded a reassessment of the impact of noise during nighttime hours. Zurich Airport Ltd. welcomes the fact that the Swiss Confederation is now laying the foundation to press ahead with planned operational improvements. This will allow blocked procedures to reduce delays and increase operational reliability to be resumed.

SAIP will be submitted to the Federal Council

The Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA) will now evaluate the feedback it has received and submit the SAIP amendment to the Federal Council for approval. Zurich Airport Ltd. expects the necessary steps to be taken quickly in order to be able to quickly implement the security and punctuality measures that have been planned for years at Zurich Airport.