089. Zurich Airport (ZRH)

ZRH

Nestled in the heart of Europe, Zurich Airport (ZRH) stands as Switzerland’s largest international airport and one of the continent’s most efficient and well-connected aviation hubs. Serving as the principal gateway to Switzerland’s financial capital and largest city, ZRH combines Swiss precision with modern amenities to create an exceptional travel experience. This comprehensive guide explores the airport’s rich history, impressive facilities, transportation options, and future development plans.

ZRH History

Zurich’s aviation history began in 1909 with the development of a mixed civil and military airfield at Dübendorf, northeast of the city. This facility served as Zurich’s commercial airfield in the early days of aviation, becoming home to Swissair’s predecessor Ad Astra Aero from 1919, and later to Swissair itself from 1932. The first regular international flight service from Dübendorf began on June 1, 1922, with an Ad Astra route to Fürth, Germany.

As aviation continued to grow, it became clear that Zurich needed a larger, dedicated commercial facility. In 1943, after considering multiple locations, Swiss authorities selected a site between the municipalities of Kloten and Oberglatt for a new airport. The Federal Government officially approved the project in 1945, and construction began the following year.

The first runway opened in 1948, promptly followed by the relocation of all airlines from Dübendorf to the new Zurich Airport. The first terminal building opened in 1953, replacing temporary structures that had been set up by individual airlines. In the same year, the airport was officially inaugurated, marking the beginning of modern commercial air service in Zurich.

Key milestones in the airport’s development include:

  • 1972: Installation of lights enabling night flights to commence
  • 1980: Opening of the underground railway station, significantly improving access to the airport
  • 1986: Completion of a new 41-meter-high control tower
  • 1995: Opening of a new third runway (14/32)
  • 1998: Celebration of the airport’s 50th anniversary
  • 2000: Official relaunch as Flughafen Zürich AG
  • 2003: Opening of Terminal E, also known as the “Midfield Terminal”
  • 2004: Completion of a new shopping area and Airside Centre with over 50 business units
  • 2020: Opening of “The Circle,” a mixed-use complex adjacent to the main terminal

ZRH Quick Facts and Stats

  • IATA Code: ZRH
  • ICAO Code: LSZH
  • Location: 13 kilometers (8.1 miles) north of central Zurich, spanning the municipalities of Kloten, Rümlang, Oberglatt, Winkel, and Opfikon
  • Size: The airport property extends across approximately 880 hectares (2,174 acres)
  • Runways: Three runways of varying lengths:
    • Runway 16/34: 3,700 meters (12,139 feet)
    • Runway 14/32: 3,300 meters (10,827 feet)
    • Runway 10/28: 2,500 meters (8,202 feet)
  • Terminals: Three airside terminals (A, B, and E) connected to a central Airside Centre
  • Passenger Volume: Over 31 million passengers in 2019 (pre-pandemic)
  • Aircraft Movements: Approximately 270,000 takeoffs and landings per year
  • Airlines: Over 70 airlines serving 200+ destinations worldwide
  • Hub Status: Principal hub for Swiss International Air Lines and a base for Edelweiss Air

Terminal Facilities

Zurich Airport features a modern terminal complex with a distinctive design that emphasizes efficiency and passenger comfort. The terminal setup includes:

Airside Centre

The Airside Centre serves as the central hub of the airport’s operations. All departing passengers pass through this area after security clearance, where they find:

  • Extensive duty-free shopping
  • Restaurants and cafés
  • Relaxation zones
  • Information desks
  • Currency exchange services
  • Children’s play areas

From the Airside Centre, passengers are directed to their respective gate areas in Terminals A, B, or E, with Schengen and non-Schengen destinations handled separately.

Terminal A

Originally opened in 1971, Terminal A handles flights to and from destinations inside the Schengen Area, including domestic Swiss flights. It features a linear design with gates prefixed by the letter A.

Terminal B

Terminal B serves as a hub for SWISS and other Star Alliance carriers operating both Schengen and non-Schengen flights. The terminal includes gates prefixed with the letter B and offers excellent amenities for travelers.

Terminal E

Also known as the “Midfield Terminal,” Terminal E primarily handles long-haul international flights to non-Schengen destinations. This satellite terminal is connected to the main Airside Centre via the Skymetro, an underground automated people mover. Terminal E features gates prefixed with the letter E and includes premium lounges, restaurants, and shopping facilities.

The Circle

Opened in November 2020, The Circle is a unique mixed-use complex adjacent to the main terminal. This 180,000-square-meter development includes:

  • Two Hyatt hotels
  • Conference facilities accommodating up to 2,500 guests
  • Medical services
  • Luxury brand stores
  • Restaurants and cafés
  • Office spaces
  • Art and cultural attractions

This ambitious project represents a new concept in airport development, creating a destination in itself rather than just a transit point.

Shopping and Dining

Zurich Airport offers an exceptional retail and dining experience with over 110 shops and 50 restaurants, bars, and cafés spread throughout the terminals. The airport is home to Switzerland’s largest duty-free shopping area, featuring global luxury brands alongside local Swiss products.

Shopping highlights include:

  • Swiss specialty shops selling chocolates, watches, and souvenirs
  • High-end fashion boutiques
  • Electronics and gadget stores
  • Bookshops and newsstands
  • Supermarket (Migros) for travel essentials

Dining options reflect both Swiss and international cuisines, ranging from quick-service counters to fine dining restaurants. Notable establishments include:

  • Bill Bentley Pub: A traditional English-style pub
  • Caffè Spettacolo: For coffee and light refreshments
  • Mamma Leone’s: Offering Italian cuisine
  • Café Veranda: A self-service restaurant on the upper floor of Dock E with panoramic views of aircraft operations

Airlines and Destinations

As Switzerland’s largest international airport, ZRH serves as a critical hub connecting Europe to global destinations. The airport’s primary carrier is Swiss International Air Lines, part of the Lufthansa Group, which accounts for over 51% of passenger traffic at the airport.

Major airlines operating at Zurich Airport include:

The airport offers direct connections to approximately 200 destinations worldwide across Europe, Asia, North America, Africa, and Australia. The busiest routes from Zurich include London Heathrow, Berlin, Amsterdam, Dubai, New York JFK, and Singapore.

In addition to passenger services, Zurich Airport is an important cargo hub, with dedicated facilities handling hundreds of thousands of tons of freight annually. Major cargo operators include Swiss WorldCargo, Korean Air Cargo, and Turkish Cargo.

Ground Transportation

Zurich Airport benefits from exceptional transportation connections, making it easy for travelers to reach the city center and other destinations throughout Switzerland.

Train

The underground railway station is one of the airport’s greatest assets:

  • Located directly beneath the Airport Centre
  • Approximately 13 trains per hour to Zurich Main Station (Hauptbahnhof), with a journey time of just 10-15 minutes
  • Direct InterCity and InterRegio services to major Swiss cities including Basel, Bern, Geneva, and Lucerne
  • International connections to cities like Munich and Stuttgart
  • The station is served by approximately 300 trains daily

Tram

The Stadtbahn Glattal light rail system connects the airport to various destinations in the Zurich metropolitan area:

  • Tram Line 10 runs between the airport and Zurich city center, passing the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) and Zurich University
  • Travel time to the Main Station is approximately 35 minutes
  • Trams depart from outside the Arrivals Hall every 8-15 minutes
  • Line 12 also serves the airport with connections to other parts of the Zurich metropolitan area

Bus

A regional bus station is located in front of the Airport Centre, offering:

  • Connections to surrounding communities
  • Regional PostAuto and Glattalbus services
  • Scheduled bus services to destinations throughout Switzerland and neighboring countries

Taxi and Ride-sharing

Taxi ranks are positioned outside the Arrivals areas, with fixed rates to various destinations in and around Zurich. Ride-sharing services are also available, typically offering slightly lower fares than traditional taxis.

Car Rental

All major international and local car rental companies have counters at the airport, located in the Airport Centre. The excellent Swiss highway network makes driving a convenient option for exploring the country.

Future Plans

Zurich Airport continues to evolve with several significant development projects underway or planned for the coming years:

Terminal Expansions

The airport is undertaking a series of expansions to meet increasing passenger demand:

  • Landside facilities expansion expected to be completed in 2024, redesigning passenger areas on levels G0 and G1
  • Development of additional shopping and dining facilities along newly created passenger routes
  • Creation of a new underground passage connecting The Circle with the Airport Centre

Baggage System Modernization

A comprehensive upgrade of the airport’s baggage handling system is underway:

  • The project commenced in October 2019 with completion expected by 2025
  • Replacement of the underground transport system between check-in areas and the sorting station
  • Implementation of new automated technologies for improved efficiency and capacity

Infrastructure Improvements

Several infrastructure projects are in progress to enhance the airport’s capabilities:

  • Renovation of Runway 10/28, including installation of a new transformer station for the ground lighting system
  • Expansion of cargo handling facilities
  • Development of the surrounding Glatt area with improved transport connections

Sustainability Initiatives

Zurich Airport has committed to ambitious sustainability goals:

  • Implementation of energy-efficient technologies throughout the terminal complex
  • Development of noise reduction measures, including a new noise protection hangar for engine tests
  • Focus on renewable energy sources for airport operations
  • Plans for a new wooden, energy-efficient Terminal A by 2033, emphasizing sustainable construction practices

Zurich Airport stands as a testament to Swiss efficiency, precision, and quality. As a vital transportation hub in the heart of Europe, it connects Switzerland to the world while providing an exceptional experience for millions of travelers each year. With its continuous development and commitment to excellence, ZRH is poised to remain one of Europe’s premier airports for decades to come.

Keyword: TopAirports