Skyguide temporarily reduces capacity at Zurich Airport

On March 20, 2025, a new airspace structure designed by the Federal Office of Civil Aviation will come into force at Zurich Airport. It is intended to minimize the number of airspace violations and increase safety. During its introduction, skyguide will temporarily reduce approach capacity by 20 percent and restricts light aviation.

Skyguide is taking temporary relief measures to ensure the safe introduction of the new structure: Air traffic control will reduce capacity by 20 percent on approaches for all operating concepts for an estimated four weeks. It is also temporarily restricting light aviation in the areas close to the airport. This affects gliding, hang gliding, parachuting and special flight activities, for example. According to skyguide, such relief measures are in line with international standards for such extensive changes to the air traffic control system.

Getting used to a new work routine

Skyguide endeavors to keep the impact as low as possible
The relief measures give the pilots the opportunity to get used to the new work routine. At the same time, the pilots learn how to navigate under the new conditions. Skyguide is also reducing the risk of overloading the system.

Duration depends on familiarization

Skyguide is aware of the impact of these restrictions on airspace users and the airport operator, and strives to minimize them as far as possible. To this end, skyguide regularly reviews how the introduction is developing and how those involved are adapting to the new processes and procedures. Skyguide is constantly evaluating the extent to which and for how long it needs to maintain the measures to reduce the workload.

Further information:
Airspace seminar of the AeCS:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GupMY7xKQr8

https://aeroclub.ch/bazl-neustrukturierung-des-luftraums-flughafen-zuerich-abgeschlossen/

 

Picture: Skyguide