Gotthard road tunnel closes nightly 28–30 September, triggering long queues on key Swiss-Italian freight and holiday corridor
Swiss Senate backs EU treaty package, paving the way for Bilaterals III
Italian rail strike on 2 October to disrupt Ticino–Lombardy commuter services, warns TILO
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France and Germany keep temporary Schengen border checks in place, extending spot controls on Swiss routes until at least 31 October
European Commission data published on 29 September show that France will keep internal Schengen border controls – including its frontier with Switzerland – until at least 31 October, while Germany’s measures extend into March 2027. The continued spot checks add up to 45 minutes to some road and rail journeys, requiring Swiss companies to pad schedules and ensure staff carry full travel documentation.
SWISS Becomes First European Carrier to Offer Starlink High-Speed In-Flight Internet
• On 28 September 2026 SWISS debuted Starlink satellite Internet on flight LX 1852 (Zurich–Thessaloniki), offering free, high-bandwidth Wi-Fi across all cabins. • The Lufthansa Group plans to equip the whole SWISS fleet by 2029, boosting productivity for business travellers and expatriates commuting via Zurich. • The service strengthens Switzerland’s attractiveness for corporates that rely on seamless connectivity for short-haul and long-haul assignments.
Switzerland allocates CHF 334.5 million to cantonal integration programmes for 2028-2032
The Federal Council has asked Parliament to approve CHF 334.5 million for cantonal integration schemes in 2028-2032—an increase of roughly 19 percent. The funds will finance language courses, career support, and counselling for newcomers, helping businesses access a well-integrated foreign talent pool and reducing long-term social costs.
Swiss Senate Opens Crucial Debate on ‘Bilaterals III’ Treaty Package With the EU
• The Council of States began debating the “Bilaterals III” Swiss-EU accords on 28 September 2026; proposals include an immigration levy and tougher wage-protection measures. • Outcome will shape future free movement, recognition of qualifications and Swiss participation in Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe—critical for companies hiring EU talent. • Extended political wrangling and a likely 2027 referendum mean multinationals should prepare for possible new compliance costs and delayed assignments.
Swiss authorities publish AGOV digital-identity Q&A ahead of nationwide rollout
A detailed Q&A published 28 September clarifies how AGOV—the authentication backbone for Switzerland’s forthcoming e-ID—will work for citizens and foreign residents. Hardware-based, password-less log-ins and Swiss-hosted data aim to boost security while enabling remote interaction with authorities, a plus for globally mobile employees and the firms that manage them.
Zurich Airport reports 30 % increase in screening throughput after full switch to CT scanners
After completing a three-month installation programme, Zurich Airport confirms that CT scanners have boosted passenger throughput by about 30 percent. The change streamlines security for business travellers, enabling tighter schedules and shorter connection windows ahead of the Schengen area’s forthcoming ETIAS checks.
Swiss consulates refresh Schengen-visa webpages with updated checklists and processing times
Swiss embassies have begun publishing harmonised Schengen-visa checklists, processing-time pledges and anti-fraud warnings. The updates, live from 28 September, aim to cut errors and delays as travellers adapt to the EU’s new Entry/Exit System—good news for firms sending staff to Switzerland on short notice.