UK updates Switzerland travel advisory ahead of G7 Summit, warns of temporary border closures
Swissport mounts legal challenge to Schiphol ground-handling award, delaying service transition
Germany refreshes Switzerland travel guidance, emphasises entry documents and duty-free limits
Latest News
Passengers evacuated after Zurich Airport Skymetro stalls in tunnel
A sensor failure caused Zurich Airport’s driverless Skymetro to stop in a tunnel on 20 July, forcing the evacuation of about 50 passengers and triggering minor flight delays. Although no one was hurt and service has resumed on a backup shuttle, the event highlights the operational risks facing Europe’s third-busiest intercontinental hub at the height of the summer season. Travellers are advised to allow additional transfer time until full repairs are completed.
Gotthard Tunnel queues stretch 20 km as Swiss holiday exodus begins
Northbound queues at the Gotthard Road Tunnel hit 20 km over the weekend of 18-20 July, leaving motorists waiting up to three hours and disrupting freight schedules. Authorities urge drivers to use alternative alpine routes and caution that further gridlock is expected on upcoming peak-holiday weekends. Businesses dependent on the corridor are shifting cargo to rail or rescheduling deliveries to reduce exposure.
Technical fault stops Zurich Airport Skymetro; 50 passengers evacuated
A brief power cut stopped Zurich Airport’s Skymetro on 20 July, forcing the evacuation of 50 people but causing no flight delays. The episode underscores the dependence of Switzerland’s main hub on a single underground shuttle for non-Schengen traffic and the value of robust contingency planning for business travellers and airlines.
18-kilometre tailback at Gotthard Tunnel as summer traffic peaks
A 18-kilometre queue built up before the Gotthard north portal on 20 July, pushing waiting times to three hours and forcing authorities to recommend alternative routes. The jam, worsened by the temporary closure of the San-Bernardino tunnel, affects both leisure motorists and freight traffic on Switzerland’s main north-south axis. Businesses should expect delivery delays and consider rail or alternative passes until traffic eases.
Germany refreshes travel advisory for Switzerland amid busy tourist season
Berlin’s Foreign Office issued a routine but timely update to its Switzerland advisory on 20 July, flagging increased petty crime, wildfire risk and lingering G7-related traffic controls. Although no entry rules changed, German businesses sending staff to Switzerland are urged to review security briefings and prepare for the forthcoming EU Entry/Exit System later in the year.
Swissport ground staff in Palma announce strike dates, raising summer travel concerns
Spanish union CCOO has announced four half-day strikes by Swiss-owned Swissport staff at Palma Airport, beginning 28 July. Because Swiss carriers rely heavily on Swissport in Palma, the walkouts could disrupt holiday traffic between Mallorca and Switzerland at the height of the season. Travellers should monitor airline communications and build in extra slack on the affected dates.
Crossair founder Moritz Suter calls sale of SWISS to Lufthansa a strategic ‘mistake’
A Travelnews interview published 20 July sees Crossair founder Moritz Suter describe the 2005 takeover of SWISS by Lufthansa as a historical error, arguing that full independence would have unlocked greater long-term value for the Swiss aviation sector. His remarks revive debate about brand identity, network strategy and Switzerland’s role within Europe’s consolidated airline market.