Samedan regional airport: Yes to replacement construction project

Two yeses from the Upper Engadin electorate: the Samedan regional airport can now carry out the urgently needed replacement of the existing infrastructure. Engadin Airport is also important for GA. 

Once a year, the Pro Aero Youth Camp JULA holds a visit day at Samedan airfield, where the airfield management responds to the needs of the camp participants and guests with great enthusiasm and commitment. In addition to the Oberengadin motorized flight group, gliders and helicopters are also stationed in Samedan. The gliding association's mountain courses are also held here. (You can read reports on both the JULA and the gliding course in AeroRevue 4/25, which will be published at the end of August). 

The Airport Conference (FHK) and the Administrative Commission (VK) of the infrastructure company Regionalflughafen Samedan (Infra) are very pleased to note the positive result of the vote. The voters approved both the repeal of the referendum of March 26, 2017 and the granting of a commitment credit of CHF 38 million and the assumption of liability obligations amounting to CHF 20 million. 

Path clear for "Project 2025"

The acceptance of both proposals paves the way for the implementation of "Project 2025", Infra continues. This includes the replacement of the airfield buildings as well as the renewal and renovation of the operational infrastructure by 2031. The result of the vote is also an important signal for the realization of the "Heliport" for Rega, Heli Bernina and Swiss Helicopter, which is to be completed by the end of 2026. 

Voting rights appeal is still pending

The Samedan regional airport will therefore remain an important economic driver and unique selling point for the Upper Engadine in the future. However, Infra is also aware of the appeal against the referendum, which has been lodged with the cantonal high court of Graubünden. The implementation of the popular resolution therefore still depends on the outcome of this appeal. As soon as this decision is clear, Infra will initiate the necessary steps for the successful start of the project. 

Image: Scene from JULA 2025 (Karin Gubler)