The central infrastructure project to expand the runway system at Zurich Airport is entering a crucial phase. From June 1st to 30th, 2026, the planning approval applications for the extension of runways 28 and 32 will be available for public review.
Flughafen Zürich AG is thus implementing the mandate of the cantonal electorate, which approved the project with a clear majority on March 3, 2024. The project is based on a safety analysis conducted in 2012, which identified the runway extensions as one of the most effective measures for increasing safety margins and stabilizing flight operations.
The two sub-projects differ considerably in their technical scope. Runway 32 is to be extended by 280 meters to the north, largely within the existing terrain. This will allow even heavy long-haul aircraft to take off to the north in the future, thus avoiding complex runway crossings late in the evening. The extension of Runway 28 by 400 meters to the west is significantly more complex. This requires extensive earthworks as well as the relocation of the cantonal road and the Glatt River. While the work on Runway 32 will take approximately two years, the construction period for Runway 28 is estimated at seven to eight years.
A key aspect of the detailed planning concerns the relocation of the Glatt River. Contrary to initial technical assumptions, the airport operator was able to demonstrate in the dossier that partial culverting of the river is unnecessary. Instead, the river will flow completely open for a length of 1,4 kilometers. The relocation will be accompanied by a redesign of the local recreation area, including new paths for pedestrians and cyclists, as well as an additional bridge. The construction work outside the current perimeter also necessitates an adjustment to the security zone plan to protect the airspace from new obstacles such as buildings or masts.
Construction is scheduled to begin as early as 2030, provided the current permitting processes can be completed without major delays. The airport management anticipates a significant reduction in delays due to the longer braking distances for landings on runway 28 and the optimized departure routes on runway 32. The new system is expected to ensure more stable operations, particularly in adverse weather conditions, which will indirectly contribute to compliance with nighttime noise restrictions, as fewer flights will need to be rescheduled into the late evening hours.