Swiss airports warn holidaymakers: new EU border checks could double passport-control waiting times
Severe thunderstorms cancel 70 flights at Zurich-Kloten, force passengers to sleep in terminal
UK updates Switzerland travel advice, flags potential border delays linked to G7 logistics
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Aviation groups warn Schengen Entry/Exit System is at ‘critical point’, urge emergency flexibility
Airports, airlines and IATA asked the European Commission on 1 July to let Schengen states temporarily switch off the new biometric Entry/Exit System when border queues become unmanageable. Zürich and Geneva are already experiencing hour-plus waits, creating missed connections and extra costs for Swiss companies. The groups warn Europe’s travel reputation and peak-season revenues are at risk unless emergency flexibility is granted.
Severe thunderstorms force mass flight cancellations at Zurich Airport
Lightning storms late on 30 June forced Zurich Airport to cancel 70 flights and divert more than 30 aircraft, stranding travellers overnight and causing residual delays on 1 July. The disruption highlights summer weather risks for business travellers and the importance of robust duty-of-care and visa-compliance procedures when unplanned diversions occur.
Swiss customs agency issues 1 July ‘Passar News’ bulletin as digital border-clearance pilot widens
In a bulletin dated 1 July, Switzerland’s customs authority expanded the pilot of its Passar digital-clearance system to cover imports, signalling the start of a parallel-run phase that will end the legacy e-dec Import platform by 2027. The update introduces new coding rules, confirms automated border activation via the ‘Activ’ app and warns companies not to switch systems without authorisation.
Severe thunderstorms ground 70 flights at Zürich Airport, trigger diversions and overnight delays
Lightning storms overnight 30 June/1 July forced Zürich Airport to halt ground operations twice, cancelling 70 flights and diverting more than 30 aircraft. Passengers slept in terminals and knock-on delays are expected all day. The incident highlights weather-related vulnerability at Switzerland’s main hub during the busy summer travel season.
PwC updates Swiss–France cross-border home-office tax guidance in 1 July ‘Significant Developments’ review
PwC’s 1 July update confirms that the France–Switzerland tax agreement now lets cross-border commuters work up to 40 % from home without losing Swiss tax status, provided employers issue an annual certificate that will be shared automatically with French authorities. The change tightens tracking requirements for HR and payroll teams and sits alongside—but separate from—new social-security rules allowing up to 49.9 % telework.