Roberta Aguirre
Switzerland is home to several airports, including Geneva Airport, Lugano Airport, and Zurich Airport, which is the largest and busiest airport in the country. Zurich Airport, also known as Kloten International Airport, is located 13km from Zurich and offers flights to 194 destinations in 69 countries. It is equipped with various facilities, including lounges, free Wi-Fi, porter services, and more. Geneva Airport, the second busiest airport in Switzerland, is located near the United Nations headquarters and is a crucial hub for diplomatic and international travel. The country also has other notable airports, such as Bern Airport and EuroAirport Basel, which serves Basel in Switzerland, Mulhouse in France, and Freiburg in Germany. These airports play a pivotal role in connecting Switzerland to the rest of the world.
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What You'll Learn
Zurich Airport: Switzerland's busiest and biggest airport
Switzerland is known for its stunning landscapes, precision engineering, and neutrality. The country boasts a highly developed and efficient transportation system, with its airports playing a key role in connecting the nation to the world. Zurich Airport, located 13 kilometres north of central Zurich, is Switzerland's largest and busiest airport. It is also one of Europe's major international gateways, renowned for its modern facilities and punctuality, reflecting Swiss values.
The airport is situated in the municipalities of Kloten, Rümlang, Oberglatt, Winkel, and Opfikon, within the canton of Zurich. It is the principal hub of Swiss International Air Lines. Zurich Airport has three runways and three terminals, offering flights by various airlines, including IndiGo, which operates in partnership with Turkish Airlines. The airport is equipped with a range of amenities, including a lounge area, free Wi-Fi, porter services, and a family area.
The history of Zurich Airport dates back to the early 20th century. In 1909, mixed civil and military air traffic developed at Dübendorf airfield, located northeast of the city. Swissair's predecessor, Ad Astra Aero, began operating from the airport in 1919, and the first regular international flight service commenced in 1922 with a route to Fürth, Germany. However, civil air traffic was suspended during World War II for military strategic reasons.
In the 1940s, the need for a dedicated commercial airport became evident, and various projects were proposed. The Federal Government's scheme of 1945 outlined plans for facilities capable of handling international airline traffic, including aircraft of up to 80 tonnes. The canton of Zurich played a crucial role in the development of the airport, and in 1945, Switzerland's federal parliament decided that Zurich would be the site of a major intercontinental airport. The airport has since become a vital transport hub, not only serving Zurich but also connecting much of Switzerland through its surface transport links.
Zurich Airport is more than just a transportation hub; it also offers exciting attractions for visitors. The airport features duty-free shopping, a viewing terrace, a park, and walking routes. Additionally, the nearby Circle at Zurich Airport provides a unique experience with special events and attractions, making it a popular destination for locals and travellers alike.
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Geneva Airport: the second busiest airport in Switzerland
Switzerland is known for its stunning landscapes, precision engineering, and neutrality. The country boasts a highly developed and efficient transportation system, with its airports playing a crucial role in connecting the nation to the world. While Zurich Airport is one of Europe's major international gateways, Geneva Airport, the focus of this article, is also an important hub for diplomatic and international travel.
Geneva International Airport, formally known as Genève Aéroport, is situated 4 kilometres northwest of Geneva's city centre. The airport is partially located within the commune of Meyrin in France and partially in the commune of Grand-Saconnex in Switzerland, straddling the Swiss-French border and offering access to both countries. The IATA codes for the Swiss and French sides of the airport are GVA and GGV, respectively.
Geneva Airport has two main passenger terminals, Terminal 1 (T1) and Terminal 2 (T2), and a Business Aviation Terminal, also known as Terminal 3 (T3). Terminal 1, the larger and newer of the two main terminals, is divided into five piers: A, B, C, D, and F. Pier F, also known as the French Sector, was once exclusively used for passengers travelling to or from France, but following Switzerland's integration into the Schengen Area in 2008, passport control and immigration checks have been waived for this sector. Terminal 2 is smaller and is only used during the winter charter season.
Geneva Airport is a crucial hub for diplomatic and international travel, offering domestic, international, and cargo services. The airport has a dedicated railway station, providing easy access to central Geneva and other Swiss cities. Local buses, including those to and from Chamonix, also serve the airport. Over 50 airlines operate thousands of commercial flights weekly to and from Geneva Airport, with direct services to more than 70 European cities and intercontinental destinations.
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Bern Airport: a small airport with many bars and restaurants
Switzerland has several airports, including Zurich Airport, also known as Kloten International Airport, and Geneva International Airport. However, Bern Airport, also known as Bern-Belp Airport, is a smaller airport located near the capital city of Bern. While it may not be as large as some of the other airports in Switzerland, Bern Airport stands out for its variety of bars and restaurants, offering travellers a range of dining and entertainment options.
One notable establishment at Bern Airport is the AMANTE Restaurant, which offers first-class service and stylishly furnished hotel rooms. The restaurant is known for its modern approach, appealing to a diverse range of guests with its flexible infrastructure and various seating concepts. AMANTE caters to both intimate celebrations and large events, making it a versatile venue for different occasions. It offers stunning views of the mountain panorama and the runway, as well as a covered balcony, providing a unique setting for seminars, family gatherings, and other special events.
In addition to AMANTE, the Airport Hotel and Restaurant Bern Belp is another prominent establishment at Bern Airport. This hotel and restaurant combination offers first-class function rooms suitable for conferences, seminars, and celebrations. With modern facilities and excellent service, it provides an ideal setting for unforgettable events, ensuring that guests have a memorable experience.
While Bern Airport may be smaller in size compared to some of Switzerland's larger airports, it certainly does not compromise on hospitality and dining options. With establishments like AMANTE and the Airport Hotel and Restaurant Bern Belp, travellers can expect a range of culinary delights and event venues to suit their needs. Whether it's a quiet meal, a lively celebration, or a business seminar, Bern Airport's bars and restaurants are equipped to cater to a variety of tastes and occasions.
Overall, Bern Airport exemplifies Switzerland's commitment to excellence and functionality in its transportation infrastructure. While the country is renowned for its stunning landscapes and precision engineering, its airports play a pivotal role in connecting Switzerland to the rest of the world. Bern Airport, with its array of bars and restaurants, contributes to this network of travel hubs, offering travellers a unique blend of efficiency and culinary delights.
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Lugano Airport: the most southern airport in Switzerland
Switzerland is known for its stunning landscapes, precision engineering, and neutrality. The country is home to several airports that connect it to the rest of the world. Zurich Airport, located in the country's largest city, is one of Europe's major international gateways. Geneva Airport, situated near the United Nations headquarters, is also a crucial hub for diplomatic and international travel.
One of the six commercial airports in Switzerland is Lugano Airport, located approximately 4 km (2.5 mi) west of the Swiss city of Lugano. The airport is situated on land owned by the city of Lugano, while management is handled by Lugano Airport SA, a company with 73 employees and an annual turnover of 10 million Swiss francs. Lugano Airport is the most southern airport in Switzerland and is sometimes referred to as Lugano-Agno, as it lies closer to the village of Agno.
The history of aviation in Lugano dates back to the early 20th century when pioneers from Tessin used a grass runway in the southern community of Marzio for their first flight attempts. In the 1930s, the search for a suitable airfield for civil scheduled flights led to the discovery of the current location in Agno, near the lakes. The Lugano flight association took over the site in 1936 and began constructing a 1 km (0.62-mile) runway and an airport building, which was completed in 1938.
Lugano Airport has a single passenger terminal building with the necessary facilities for travellers, including airline ticket and check-in desks, security, and customs. The airport has a bidirectional runway and handles around 2,400 flights and 200,000 passengers annually. It offers regular scheduled flights to Geneva and Zurich, with connections available to other destinations.
The airport is easily accessible by both public and private transport. A shuttle bus connects the airport to Lugano railway station and the city centre, meeting most scheduled flights. Agno railway station is also a short walk or train ride away, with regular train services to Lugano and Ponte Tresa. For motorists, Highway 2, exit Lugano-Nord, is the route to the airport.
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EuroAirport Basel: an airport serving Basel, Mulhouse and Freiburg
Switzerland is known for its stunning Alpine scenery, precision engineering, and innovation. The country is also renowned for its highly developed and efficient transportation infrastructure, including its airports, which play a pivotal role in connecting the nation to the world. One such airport is the EuroAirport Basel, which serves the cities of Basel in Switzerland, Mulhouse in France, and Freiburg in Germany.
EuroAirport Basel is located in the administrative commune of Saint-Louis, in the French Alsace part of the Trinational Eurodistrict of Basel. It is situated 4.7 km (2.9 mi) west of the tripoint of France, Germany, and Switzerland, 3.5 km (2.2 mi) northwest of Basel, 20 km (12 mi) southeast of Mulhouse, and 46 km (29 mi) south-southwest of Freiburg. The airport is unique in that it is jointly administered by France and Switzerland and governed by a 1949 international convention. This arrangement allows Swiss authorities to apply Swiss laws regarding customs, medical services, and police work in the Swiss section, while French police can conduct random checks in this area.
The airport serves as a hub for easyJet Switzerland and Corendon Airlines. It features flights to European metropolitan and leisure destinations, as well as limited long-haul cargo traffic to intercontinental destinations. EuroAirport Basel has experienced significant growth over the years, with passenger numbers peaking at 9.09 million in 2019. The airport has a trademark name, EuroAirport Basel–Mulhouse–Freiburg, introduced in 1987, and is one of the few airports in the world operated jointly by two countries.
The headquarters of Swiss International Air Lines and Swiss Global Air Lines are located within the Swiss section of the airport, although the Swiss head office is only accessible from Switzerland. The airport has undergone several enlargement projects over the years, including the extension of its north-south runway to 3,900 meters in 1972. EuroAirport Basel plays a crucial role in serving the three cities it connects, providing efficient transportation options for residents and visitors alike.
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Frequently asked questions
Zurich Airport is the largest airport in Switzerland. It is also the busiest, with 31,538,236 passengers in 2019. It is located 13km from Zurich, the country's largest city, and is known for its modern facilities and punctuality.
There are 7 international airports in Switzerland:
- Zurich International Airport
- Lugano International Airport
- Bern International Airport
- Geneva International Airport
- St.Gallen-Altenrhein Airport
- Sion International Airport
- EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg
Geneva International Airport is the second-busiest and second-largest airport in Switzerland. It is located on the Swiss-French border, about 4-5km from the city centre of Geneva.
