The charter season has begun at Bern-Belp Airport, with those responsible at Bern Airport AG giving a positive forecast for operational stability.
Unlike larger European air traffic hubs, some of which are struggling with logistical challenges, Bern Airport management does not anticipate any fuel shortages. Fuel supplies for the summer months are considered secure, meaning that flight cancellations due to fuel shortages can be ruled out based on current planning. This security of supply is a key factor in the reliability of the regional airport, which positions itself as a stress-free alternative to the major airports of Zurich and Basel.
The flight schedule for summer 2026 comprises a total of 16 destinations, primarily geared towards leisure and holiday travel. Key partners include the Swiss airlines Helvetic Airways and Chair Airlines. Helvetic Airways will increasingly deploy its modern Embraer E190-E2 regional jets on routes from Bern, while Chair Airlines will serve destinations in the Mediterranean region. Destinations include classic holiday destinations such as Palma de Mallorca, Heraklion, Rhodes, and Kos, as well as special routes to Jerez de la Frontera and Olbia. The service is complemented by SkyAlps flights, which connect destinations including the Adriatic coast.
Industry analyses show that Bern Airport remains particularly popular with charter operators due to its short distances and fast handling. To optimize local logistics, fuel storage capacities and supply chains for aviation fuel have been stabilized in close cooperation with regional suppliers. Further research in the Swiss aviation market reveals that regional airports like Bern-Belp are increasingly focusing on direct connections to circumvent the capacity limits of national hubs. The load factor of the first flights at the start of the season indicates robust demand in the package holiday sector, with the reliability of fuel logistics serving as a key selling point for tour operators.
Despite increased operating costs in air traffic compared to previous years, Bern Airport is maintaining its strategy of offering an exclusive and manageable portfolio of holiday flights. The financial stability of Flughafen Bern AG also allows for investment in ground handling efficiency. While other airports have made headlines due to staff shortages at security checkpoints or among ground personnel, Bern reports sufficient staffing levels to handle the summer flight schedule. The combination of a secure fuel supply and smooth ground operations is intended to solidify Bern's position as a reliable pillar in the Swiss charter market.