The current charge period at Zurich Airport started in September 2016. During the coronavirus pandemic, an agreement was reached with airport users in 2020 to extend the charge period as an exceptional measure due to the situation. As a result, the extraordinary effects of the pandemic were taken into account and the costs of capital in the regulated area were largely covered despite the pandemic. On 1 April 2025, the procedure was initiated to adjust the flight operation charges for the next charge period.  

The negotiations began on 1 October 2025 and lasted around four months. Swiss International Air Lines AG, easyJet Europe Airline GmbH, a representative of scheduled airlines, a representative of business airlines, a representative of light aviation/air sports and a representative of freight forwarding companies took part in the negotiations. The Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA) oversaw the negotiations as an observer.  

Passenger-related charges set to fall  

The new charge period is expected to start on 1 October 2026. From then on, charges for airport users will fall by around 10% on average.  

The charges are calculated based on a multi-year outlook. These calculations take into account the expected passenger volume, construction projects in the aviation sector and the operating costs relating to flight operations. As the regulation does not allow profit to be earned from airport charges, they may only cover costs. The charges can be lowered because passenger numbers are expected to rise in the coming years – allowing costs to be spread over a larger base. At the same time, the airport plans its investments in a prudent manner.  

For example, the charge per locally departing passenger will now amount to CHF 30.40 (previously CHF 35.00). These charges include the passenger charge (CHF 18.20), passenger security charge (CHF 11.30) and solidarity charge for the service for people with reduced mobility (CHF 0.90). The charges are levied on the airlines in each case.  

Noise charges to increase  

The user fee for the baggage sorting system will be integrated into the landing charges in future, which will reduce complexity and simplify billing. Landing charges will therefore increase.  

The increased noise charges already announced and decreed by the Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA), which provide for additional noise surcharges and a reclassification of noise classes during sensitive night hours, will now also be implemented with effect from 1 October 2026 when the new airport charges come into effect.  

If no further amendment requests are received, the charge regulations will apply as agreed from 1 October 2026. 

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