Continuing tensions in the Middle East are reshaping Swiss travellers’ plans for the Easter break. Uncertainty over flights, coupled with official warnings, is prompting some to change destinations while others hold off on booking. At Zurich Airport, several routes to Gulf countries have been suspended. Two weeks after the start of joint Israeli-American strikes on […]
Swiss suspends some Gulf flights until October
Swiss has extended the suspension of its flights to Dubai and Tel Aviv until May 31st, citing security concerns amid persistent tensions in the Middle East. The move forms part of a broader decision by the Lufthansa Group, which includes Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, ITA Airways, Edelweiss and Lufthansa Cargo, to curtail operations […]
Swiss parliament backs road tolls for transit traffic
Foreign motorists passing through Switzerland without stopping may soon have to pay. This week, after the upper house, parliament also approved a proposal to introduce a transit toll, reported SRF. The move reflects growing concern about congestion on Switzerland’s trans-Alpine routes. Traffic through the Gotthard corridor regularly grinds to a halt on weekends and public […]
Swiss cuts summer flights amid pilot shortage
Swiss International Air Lines will cancel several hundred flights from its summer schedule, citing a shortage of pilots among other constraints. The airline said that due to operational constraints, including limited availability of cockpit crew, the airline has reduced its 2026 summer schedule. In total, 326 flights—less than 0.5% of the overall programme—will be cancelled. […]
Switzerland to bolster defences against drones and cyber attacks
Switzerland’s Federal Council plans to invest about CHF 3.4bn to strengthen the army, with a focus on long-range threats and cyberwarfare. On Friday it presented its latest army plan to parliament, which includes additional borrowing of roughly CHF 500m. A further CHF 562m is earmarked for modernising military infrastructure and improving noise protection. Presented by […]
Switzerland halts new arms exports to America
Switzerland will no longer approve new licences for arms exports to the United States, reported SRF. The Federal Council announced the move on Friday in response to the American war against Iran. The government said its decision was guided by Switzerland’s neutrality and the War Materiel Act. For the duration of the conflict, it argued, […]
Switzerland targeted in two American trade probes
Switzerland is among several economies under investigation by the United States for alleged unfair trade practices, reported RTS. The Federal Council discussed the matter on Friday, reviewing possible next steps but taking no decision. Its deliberations were based on an initial analysis by the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), according to Nicole Lamon, a […]
Swiss government submits EU agreements package to parliament
The Federal Council has sent a package of agreements with the European Union to parliament, allowing lawmakers to begin debating a plan aimed at stabilising and developing Switzerland’s relations with the bloc. Presenting the proposal in Bern, Guy Parmelin, the president of the confederation, said the package was in Switzerland’s interest. Strengthening the bilateral approach, […]
US Patriot missile shortages push Swiss deliveries back five years
Heavy use of American Patriot air-defence missiles in the Middle East is having knock-on effects for Switzerland. The Swiss armed forces may have to wait much longer than expected to receive the Patriot systems it has ordered, according to federal officials cited by the public broadcaster SRF. Since Sunday the United Arab Emirates alone has […]
Switzerland to ban bottle sparklers in public indoor venues
From April 1st, 2026 lighting pyrotechnic devices will be banned in indoor venues open to the public across Switzerland. The decision was announced on Friday by a body representing the 26 cantonal directors responsible for public works. The decision follows the tragedy involving these devices in Crans Montana at the beginning of the year that […]
