Exploring Zurich's Airport Accessibility And Options

Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland and serves as its financial centre. The city is home to Zurich Airport (ZRH), also known as Zürich–Kloten Airport, which is located 12 kilometres north of the city centre. Zurich Airport is the main hub for Swiss International Airlines and is used by several other airlines as a base. It is one of seven international airports in Switzerland and is the busiest in the country, serving around 31 million passengers.

Zurich Airport's terminals, runways and transport options

Zurich Airport Terminals, Runways and Transport Options

Zurich Airport, also known as Flughafen Zurich, is the busiest airport in Switzerland, handling approximately 31 million passengers annually. The airport is located 13km north of Zurich's city centre.

Terminals

Zurich Airport has three operating concepts, which determine the runways used for take-off and landing. The North Approach Concept involves approaches from the north on runways 14 or 16 and departures heading west on runway 28 or south on runway 16. Some departures also head east on runway 10. This concept is used from 7 am to 9 pm on weekdays and 9 am to 8 pm on weekends and public holidays.

The East Approach Concept involves approaches from the east on runway 28 and departures heading north on runways 32 or 34. This concept is used from 9 pm to 11:30 pm on weekdays and 8 pm to 11:30 pm on weekends and public holidays.

The South Approach Concept involves approaches from the south on runway 34 and departures heading north on runways 32 or 34, with some departures also heading west on runway 28. This concept is used from 6 am to 7 am on weekdays and 6 am to 9 am on weekends and public holidays.

Runways

During the day, aircraft primarily take off from runway 28 and land on runway 14. Runway 16 is generally used for take-offs and landings of long-haul flights. In the morning, aircraft mainly use runways 32 and 34 for take-off and runway 34 for landing. In the evening, the same runways are used for take-off, but landing primarily takes place on runway 28.

Weather conditions can also dictate runway usage. For example, during strong westerly winds, aircraft take off from runway 32 and land on runway 28, while a north-easterly wind requires take-off from runway 10 and landing on runway 14 or 34 in the evening.

Transport Options

Zurich Airport has excellent connections to the public transport network, making it easy for passengers to reach their final destination. SBB trains depart for Zurich's main station every 10 minutes, and the journey takes just 15 minutes. The airport also offers direct links to the rest of Switzerland and neighbouring countries via regular connections.

For those travelling by bus, there is a service to popular ski resorts during the winter season, including Stuben, Zürs, Lech, St. Christoph, and St. Anton. Additionally, several bus lines connect the airport to all parts of Zurich.

Construction work at Zurich Airport may cause some disruptions to train services, so passengers are advised to check for timetable changes and restrictions.

Kloten Airport's location and proximity to Zurich

Zurich Airport, also known as Kloten Airport, is located 11 to 13 kilometres north of Zurich's city centre. The airport is situated in the municipalities of Kloten, Rümlang, Oberglatt, Winkel, and Opfikon, all within the canton of Zurich. The distance from the airport to the city centre can be covered in approximately 14 minutes by car, and by train in 9 to 13 minutes.

The airport is conveniently located near the A51 motorway, with exits 6 and 7 providing easy access from the south and north, respectively. Zurich Airport also has excellent surface transport links, making it accessible from much of the country.

The closest cities and landmarks to Zurich Airport include Zurich, which is approximately 11 kilometres away, Basel at 92 kilometres, and Munich at 311 kilometres. The Letzigrund Stadium in Zurich is also just 11 kilometres from the airport.

In addition to its proximity to major cities, Zurich Airport is surrounded by a range of accommodation options, such as the Radisson Blu Hotel, which is located next to the airport and offers direct access to all terminals.

Airlines that use Zurich Airport as a hub

Zurich Airport, also known as Kloten Airport, is the largest international airport in Switzerland. It is located 12-13km north of Zurich city centre and is the main hub for several airlines.

Swiss International Air Lines

The airport is the main hub for Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS), the national flag carrier of Switzerland. The airline connects passengers to over 100 destinations across Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America. It is renowned for its premium services, including spacious lounges and priority boarding.

Edelweiss Air

Edelweiss Air, a subsidiary of Swiss International Air Lines, is another major airline that uses Zurich Airport as a hub. It specialises in leisure travel, offering routes to more than 70 destinations globally. The airline is known for its exceptional in-flight entertainment options and comfortable seating.

Lufthansa

Lufthansa, Germany's premier carrier, also has a significant presence at Zurich Airport. Its extensive network spans over 200 destinations worldwide. The airline is celebrated for its reliability, comprehensive global network, and high-quality service, including access to exclusive lounges.

Other Airlines

While SWISS, Edelweiss Air, and Lufthansa are the most prominent airlines at Zurich Airport, several other airlines also provide valuable services, including British Airways, Air Canada, Emirates, Bulgaria Air Airlines, Cyprus Airways Airlines, Royal Air Maroc Airlines, SAS Scandinavian Airlines, Helvetic Airways, Germanwings, Ukraine International Airlines, Cathay Pacific Airways, and Korean Air Lines.

Nearby airports and their distance from Zurich Airport

Zurich Airport (ZRH) is the largest international airport in Switzerland. It is located 11-13km north of central Zurich, in the municipalities of Kloten, Rümlang, Oberglatt, Winkel, and Opfikon. The airport is the main hub for Swiss International Airlines and serves as the base for several other airlines.

There are several other airports in close proximity to Zurich Airport, which can be great alternatives for travellers looking for more convenient options or closer access to specific destinations. Here is a list of nearby airports and their distance from Zurich Airport:

• Friedrichshafen Airport (FDH) - 47km
• Basel Mulhouse Freiburg Airport (BSL) - 49-50km
• Strasbourg Airport (SXB) - 87-92km
• Stuttgart Airport (STR) - 91-96km
• Karlsruhe/Baden-Baden Airport (FKB) - 94km
• Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) - 126km
• Innsbruck Airport (INN) - 131km
• Milan Bergamo Airport (BGY) - 135km
• Milan Linate Airport (LIN) - 142km
• Geneva Airport (GVA) - 143km

International projects involving Flughafen Zürich AG

Flughafen Zürich AG (FZAG) is a Swiss company that owns and operates Zurich Airport, the largest international airport in Switzerland. FZAG also owns, co-owns, and runs airports in India, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, and Curaçao.

FZAG has been involved in several international projects, including:

• In 2019, FZAG obtained a 40-year concession for the construction and operation of the Noida International Airport, located around 80 kilometres south of Delhi, India. The investment in the initial development phase amounts to around CHF 650 million, and the airport will have a capacity of 12 million passengers per year once the construction is complete.
• In 2013, FZAG, in consortium with a Brazilian company, was awarded a 30-year concession for the expansion and operation of the international airport in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. FZAG holds a seat on the board of directors and the position of Chief Operation Officer of the operating company.
• In 2017, FZAG won the concession for the expansion and operation of the international airport in Florianópolis, Brazil, until 2047. This was the first airport project to be wholly owned by FZAG.
• In 2019, FZAG expanded its Brazilian portfolio with the concession for both Vitória and Macaé airports, which are also wholly owned by the company.
• In May 2023, FZAG was awarded the concession to operate Natal Airport in northeastern Brazil, with the takeover of airport operations expected for 2024.
• Through its subsidiary Aport S.A. in Chile, FZAG holds concessions for the two regional airports of Antofagasta and Iquique in northern Chile. FZAG holds a 100% stake in Aport S.A. and its operating arm, Aport Operaciones, which manages FZAG's operations in Latin America and the Caribbean.
• Through Aport Operaciones, FZAG supports the concessionaire of El Dorado Airport in Bogotá, Colombia, in operational and technical matters. Aport Operaciones holds several management positions at the airport, including Chief Operations Officer.
• FZAG has stakes in the operation of several other airports worldwide, including Bangalore in India, and Curaçao, Antofagasta, Iquique, and Bogotá in Latin America.

Frequently asked questions