UK-Switzerland trade deal unlocks e-gates and long-term services mobility
Consultation shows deep split over tighter ‘Lex Koller’ limits on foreign property buyers
UK issues fresh warning on Swiss–French border delays ahead of G7 summit logistics
Latest News
Storm-Driven Chaos at Zurich Airport Cancels or Diverts 100 Flights in 24 Hours
Severe thunderstorms late on 13 July forced Zurich Airport to cancel about 70 flights and divert 30 more, stranding hundreds of passengers overnight and causing ripple-effect delays on 14 July. The disruption, which coincides with peak summer demand and Zurich’s strict night-time curfew, is hitting Swiss and Edelweiss services especially hard. While EU261 compensation is unlikely, airlines must still provide care and re-routing, and travel managers are warning staff to add buffer time. The incident underscores the growing operational risk of extreme weather for Switzerland’s main aviation hub.
New EU Entry/Exit System lengthens border queues at Zurich Airport
The EU’s new Entry/Exit System, now operational in Switzerland, is adding up to 30 seconds per passport inspection for third-country nationals at Zurich Airport. With summer traffic topping 110,000 passengers a day, the extra checks are creating long queues and raising the risk of missed onward flights. Companies are urged to schedule longer layovers and brief travellers on e-gate eligibility.
EU’s New Entry/Exit System Triggers Long Queues at Zurich Passport Control
Zurich Airport has begun implementing the EU’s biometric Entry/Exit System (EES), leading to noticeably longer queues for travellers from outside the Schengen zone. While Swiss and EU/EFTA nationals can still use fast e-gates, third-country visitors must now provide fingerprints and facial images at first entry, adding several minutes per passenger. Business travel itineraries with tight connections may need to be lengthened, and the episode foreshadows further changes when the ETIAS travel authorisation goes live next year.
Severe thunderstorms cancel 70 flights and divert 30 at Zurich hub
Thunderstorms on 13–14 July triggered 70 flight cancellations and 30 diversions at Zurich Airport, stranding passengers overnight and causing rolling delays. EC 261 compensation is unlikely, but airlines must still provide meals, hotels and rebooking. Businesses should expect further weather-related disruption this summer and adjust travel plans accordingly.
Kuwait Airways restructures August network, trimming standalone Zurich flights
From 6–27 August 2026 Kuwait Airways will fold its Zurich service into a Kuwait–Amsterdam–Zurich triangle, reducing non-stop options for Switzerland–Gulf travel. The tweak reflects capacity optimisation across the airline’s European network and could add up to 10 hours to door-to-door itineraries for Swiss business travellers.
Kuwait Airways Adds Zurich to Amsterdam Triangle Flight, Tweaks August Network
Between 6 and 27 August 2026, Kuwait Airways will run a twice-weekly Kuwait – Amsterdam – Zurich triangle service instead of a direct Kuwait–Zurich rotation, citing fleet constraints. The change adds roughly 80 minutes to flight time, reduces cargo capacity and narrows booking options for Swiss corporates travelling to Kuwait and onward to the Gulf. Travel managers should update itineraries and warn staff about reduced award-seat inventory.