In its statement on the Sectoral Transport Plan, Aviation Infrastructure Part (SIL), Zurich Airport AG has stressed the importance of planned measures to reduce delays and increase safety. At the same time, it warns against further restrictions on flight operations that could endanger the international location.
Specifically, the airport supports the adjustments planned in the SIL, including optimizing the approach and departure routes, extending the runways and implementing the long-planned southern take-off at Bise. These measures are intended not only to improve operational processes, but also to reduce noise pollution in the evening hours. In addition, Flughafen Zürich AG is proposing an increase in noise charges for delayed departures after 23 p.m. in order to encourage airlines to fly more punctually and more quietly.
A central point of the statement is the maintenance of the current operating hours. Zurich Airport already has very short operating hours compared to other European airports. According to the airport operator, maintaining the last half hour between 23:00 p.m. and 23:30 p.m. is crucial in order to maintain long-haul connections and not jeopardize the airport's status as an international hub.
The planned adjustments to the SIL are based on a ruling by the Federal Administrative Court, which had called for a reassessment of the effects of noise at night. Flughafen Zürich AG welcomes the fact that the federal government is now creating the conditions to push forward urgently needed operational improvements. The Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA) will evaluate the comments before the Federal Council decides on the final adjustment.
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