Thanks to the new SIL, Payerne Airport can offer longer operating hours

The new Sectoral Aviation Infrastructure Plan (SIL) was adopted by the Federal Council on October 29, 2025, whereupon the Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA) approved the civil operating regulations on December 3, 2025. The appeal period has now expired and the new operating framework has entered into force. This allows Payerne Airport to extend its operating hours.

The project was carried out in close cooperation with the neighboring communities, ASIC1 , the cantons, the responsible federal authorities and the airport users. The objectives pursued by the regional authorities, as set out in the agreement concluded with the neighboring communities in 2022, have largely been achieved. According to the airport operator swiss aeropole SA, the conditions and quotas granted by the FOCA and the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) for weekend flights represent a compromise and will be adjusted in the future.

One hour earlier and without a lunch break

The entry into force of the new regulation allows the airport operator to offer extended opening hours. The airport now opens half an hour earlier on weekdays, with selective flights already possible from 06:00 with approval. On Saturdays, the airport will now open at 08:00 instead of 09:00. There will no longer be lunch breaks on weekdays. On Saturdays, the lunch break will be relaxed, whereby only landings will be possible. Take-offs will only be permitted in the event of external delays (air traffic control, weather or technical problems).

Quotas per year, instead of per month

The quotas for flights on weekdays (06:00-07:00 and 19:00-22:00) and Saturdays (08:00-22:00) have been increased, whereby the flight movement quotas are calculated on an annual basis instead of the previous monthly basis. On Sundays, civil flights are subject to authorization and are limited to 200 aircraft movements per year. Parallel to the regulatory developments, a policy of continuous improvement of Payerne civil airfield in terms of accessibility, reliability and operational quality is being pursued in coordination with its military partner. At the same time, this is adapted to the requirements of the association for the protection of the interests of the neighboring communities, writes swiss aeropole SA.