Facts & Figures
Zurich Airport is the largest international airport in Switzerland and the main hub for Swiss International Air Lines. The airport is operated by Flughafen Zürich AG. Zurich Airport has several runways (including 16/34, 14/32, and 10/28) and two passenger terminals.
Passenger traffic has largely recovered following the COVID‑19 pandemic; around 31.2 million passengers were recorded in 2024.
Noise Pollution and the Community
The airport is located approximately 9 kilometers north of Zurich city center, spanning the municipalities of Kloten, Rümlang, Oberglatt, Winkel and Opfikon, all of which are within the canton of Zurich.
Noise pollution from Zurich Airport increasingly affects local residents, especially at night. The Zurich Aircraft Noise Index (ZFI) reported that in 2023, over 53,000 people were heavily impacted by aircraft noise, an increase of about 13% compared to the previous year. There is a night flight ban from 11:30 PM to 6:00 AM, while a grace period from 11:00 PM to 11:30 PM allows limited late departures without a permit. Applications for takeoff or landing after 11:30 PM require approval. But the increase in nighttime noise is particularly significant.
The airport operates 14 fixed noise monitoring stations, regularly publishes a noise bulletin, and conducts mobile measurements when changes occur, such as new flight routes or aircraft types. To support residents, a noise protection program provides soundproof windows, ventilation systems, and other measures to reduce indoor noise. Several thousand buildings have already been assisted.
Citizens’ Influence
Local residents influence noise-related issues through various authorities, citizen initiatives, and the protection association. Dialogues are ongoing, and complaints can be submitted via a dedicated noise hotline.
The Canton of Zurich increasingly demands measures to reduce the number of delayed flights after 11 PM and to limit nighttime noise exposure.
Governments’ Position
The federal government, particularly the Bundesamt für Zivilluftfahrt (BAZL), is working on new regulations, including adjusting noise charges, defining new noise categories, and increasing surcharges for night and late-evening flights.
The Canton of Zurich uses both ownership rights and environmental regulations to set requirements for Zurich Airport, particularly regarding noise and flight delays.
Expected developments
From 2027, new noise charges are expected to come into effect, including a revised classification of noise categories and higher surcharges for noisy aircraft, particularly during night and late-evening operations.
The extension of runways 28 and 32 has been approved by referendum and is intended to improve operational efficiency at the airport.
Demand forecast: Zurich Airport expects around 32 million passengers in 2025, which would surpass the pre-pandemic record of approximately 31.5 million passengers in 2019 for the first time.
Members/Friends
Member of UECNA: SBFZ – Schutzverband der Bevölkerung um den Flughafen Zürich
