On 28 June 2024, the air traffic control company Skyguide announced that it has lifted capacity restrictions in Geneva’s airspace after a storm on Tuesday evening flooded the basement of the air traffic control centre in Geneva. On Tuesday evening, Skyguide temporarily closed the airspace in the Geneva area due to flooding at the air […]
Swiss to raise fares to cover costs of environmental regulations
This week, Swiss and its parent Lufthansa group announced fare hikes on flights departing from Europe to cover the cost of complying with European Commission environmental rules, reported RTS. From 1 January 2025, European flyers will pay a surcharge. Anyone departing from the UK, Norway, Switzerland or one of the 27 EU nations will be […]
Winter avalanche deaths above Swiss average
Over the last 20 years, there have been an average of 21 avalanche deaths per year in Switzerland. During the winter of 2023/24, 23 lives were cut short by avalanches, according to data published by the Swiss Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research (WSL) in Davos, a figure slightly above average. At 261, the number […]
Switzerland set to share flight passenger data with police
This week, the Federal Council passed a plan to parliament to collect and provide passenger data to the police, reported SRF. The proposed law aims to make it easier for the authorities to combat terrorism and serious crime. The law would regulate which passenger data airlines must pass on to the Federal Office of Police […]
Gotthard pass to remain closed due to exceptional snow
The Gotthard pass, one of the key routes linking northern and southern Switzerland is often opened in mid-May. Last year, it was open by now. However, this year there is too much snow, reported SRF. Opening the pass before the second long weekend in May brings relief to many weary travellers. The pass provides drivers […]
Swiss has no plan to end flights between Geneva and Zurich
Airlines are under pressure to cut short flights between locations that are well connected by rail. The logic being that trains have lower emissions that planes. Regular flights between Geneva and Zurich have long been criticised by environmentalists. However, this week, Swiss said it has no plans to cut flights between Switzerland’s two main cities, […]
Swiss town wants to stop tandem base jumping
The town of Lauterbrunnen in Switzerland’s Bernese Oberland, wants tandem base jump tourism stopped. The Swiss Base Association (SBA) is also against the practice, reported SRF. Base jumping, where people leap from high places and land with a parachute, was once a fringe sport. Although it is now far from mainstream, it has become increasingly […]
Swiss prefer to holiday close to home
Passing through a Swiss airport during peak holiday season might give an impression Swiss like holiday in far away places. However, a survey by the Swiss Bankers, a company that provides holiday related financial services, shows most like to stay close to home. In 2023, 25.9% of total holiday spending was made in Switzerland, followed […]
Skiers are going faster on Swiss slopes
Skiers in Switzerland are travelling faster. A significant number are now clocking speeds in excess of 100 kilometres an hour, reported RTS. Over a quarter of the Swiss population engages in winter sports annually. Unfortunately, around 33,000 employees are injured a year at a cost of CHF 307 million, according to accident insurer Suva. One […]
Swiss winter holidays – hotel association calls on cantons to avoid clashes
Most Swiss do not ski. Only a third of the population regularly takes to the snow in winter. One deterrent is school holiday planning. Many years ago, the typically two week break over Christmas fell during the prime ski season, a period with abundant snow. Now this period is hit and miss. Beyond this, most […]
