Airport history –from past to present

6 January 2021
First test center opened at Zurich Airport.

11 January 2021
Commencement of installation of technology in the new baggage sorting system.

8 February 2021
Passengers are required to present a negative PCR Covid test upon arrival.

1 March 2021 
Shops allowed to re-open after almost 2.5 months.

2 March 2021
Zurich Airport voted the best airport in Europe for the 18th consecutive time.

1 April 2021
Hyatt Regency Zurich Airport The Circle opens.

21 April 2021
Randstad Award: Flughafen Zürich AG wins the award for the best employer in Switzerland.

1 May 2021
Owing to its strategic importance, "International" becomes an autonomous segment.

31 May 2021
Restaurants allowed to re-open inside seating.

1 July 2021 
Dock E is again open continuously.

1 July 2021
75th anniversary of the ground-breaking ceremony at Zurich Airport.

8 July 2021
EU recognises Switzerland's Covid certificate.

13 July 2021
First scheduled aircraft fuelled with sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

16 August 2021
Flughafen Zürich AG becomes a member of the United Nations Global Compact, the global network for corporate responsibility.

7 September 2021
Zurich Airport's new Digital Experience platform wins the Best of Swiss Web Award 2021.

18 September 2021 
First district festival at the Circle.

1 October 2021
Zurich Airport is the first in the world to be equipped with Google Indoor Live View.

31 October 2021
With the start of the winter timetable, 80% of the airlines are back in Zurich – compared with before the pandemic.

5 November 2021
The Circle celebrates its first anniversary.

8 November 2021
The USA permits vaccinated passengers from Switzerland to enter the country.

8 November 2021 
Singapore opens a travel corridor for vaccinated passengers.

16 November 2021
Highsnobiety opens the Highsnobiety Concept Store GATEZERO in the Airside Center. 

25 November – 12 December 2021
The first lights and music festival "Zauberpark" delights visitors to the airport.

26 November 2021
The federal government reintroduces a quarantine list due to the Omicron variant.

4 December 2021
The federal government removes all countries from the quarantine list and imposes a stricter testing regime for arriving passengers. 

8 December 2021
The airport gets its own virtual Formula 1 racecourse.

15 December 2021
Opening of the Hyatt Place Zurich Airport The Circle.

31 December 2021
A range of new shops and service providers enhance the offering at Zurich Airport in 2021: AMAG "the square – new mobility hub by AMAG", Bruno Wickart, Zurzach Care, bio local, Racing Unleashed, Dosenbach, Mc PaperLand, cermony, Kieser & VAMED, Capi Electronics and Aesop open outlets at Airport Shopping, the Circle and in the Airside Center.

February 3
Airport operator sets up a coronavirus task force.

March 2
Construction work in the second phase of Zone West commences; existing apron expanded by approx. ten hectares.

March 16
The Federal Council rates the situation in Switzerland as an “extraordinary situation” in accordance with the Epidemics Act, resulting in the temporary closure of shops, restaurants and services at Zurich Airport. Dramatic fall-off in air traffic, partial closure of unused airport infrastructure. 

March 18
Swiss moves most of its short-haul and medium-haul fleet temporarily to Dübendorf Airport.

March 19
Flughafen Zürich AG introduces short-time working and working from home.
The FDFA organises the biggest repatriation campaign to date to return Swiss travellers to Switzerland.

May 26
Flughafen Zürich AG moves to its new head office as the first tenant of the Circle.

June
The airport offers nature reserve hikes next to the runway.

June 26
Four of the five buildings at the Circle are successfully rented out.

July 1
The 2010 and 2015 sound insulation programmes are merged under the name “Zurich Airport sound insulation programme” and the range of services is expanded.

August 21
Flughafen Zürich AG publishes its interim results. Compared to a profit of CHF 143.4 million in the first six months of 2019, the result for the first half of 2020 was a loss of CHF 27.5 million.

August 6
The government amends the list of quarantine countries again in the middle of the summer holidays. Air traffic then suffers another slump.

October 1
Together with the Children’s Hospital and the Balgrist University Clinic, the University Hospital Zurich opens an outpatient clinic at the Circle.
The airport’s ranger programme, one-of-a-kind worldwide, is launched.

October 7
Flughafen Zürich AG signs the concession arrangement for the operation of Noida International Airport in India.

November 5
The Circle and the surrounding park are opened.

November 26
Fast coronavirus tests are available at Zurich Airport.

December 20
Owing to a mutation of the coronavirus, the Federal Council imposes a temporary ban on flights arriving from the UK and South Africa.

December 22
The Federal Council orders restaurants and leisure centres to close.

February
Demolition work for new baggage sorting system is completed / start of construction.

March 5 
The community of co-owners of THE CIRCLE celebrates topping out.

March 15 
Flughafen Zürich AG is granted concession to operate two airports in Brazil.

May
Operation commences on the second of two new express taxiways for runway 28.

August 1 
Revised regulations on airport charges come into effect.

September 11
Higher surcharges for noise levels during early morning and late evening hours come into effect.

October 6
After 16 months construction time, the new terminal in Florianópolis (Brazil) is opened and commences operation.  

October 9
The Federal Supreme Court revokes planning permission for the Oberhau multi-storey car park and refers it back to UVEK (Federal Department of Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications) for reassessment.

October 16
Application for planning approval for business aviation developments in the West Zone, including hangars and landside access, is submitted.

November 29 
Flughafen Zürich AG is granted concession for the construction and operation of Noida International Airport in India.

March 19
Groundbreaking ceremony for baggage system expansion project

July 9
Modal split: The most recent assessment of the modal split shows that, at Zurich Airport, 44 percent of passengers, employees and visitors arrive by public transport.

September 1/2
The airport experience weekend, coupled with the 70th anniversary of Zurich Airport, attracts around 70,000 visitors.

September 3
With the application documents for the 2017 operating regulations (BR2017), the revised security zone plan also moves into the public consultation phase. The plan in force currently has been in place since 1978.

September 13
The new “Golf” stands to the south of the airport become operational.

November 12
The FOCA presents its proposals for the amendment of the Ordinance on Airport Charges announced in June. Flughafen Zürich AG fiercely opposes any worsening of the terms of the Ordinance.

February 1
The long-serving Chief Financial Officer of Flughafen Zürich AG, Daniel Schmucki, leaves the company and is succeeded by his deputy Lukas Brosi.

March 16
Flughafen Zürich AG wins the concession for the expansion and operation of Hercílio Luz (FLN) international airport in Florianópolis in southern Brazil.

March 24
The foundation stone is laid for the major construction project THE CIRCLE. 

April 20
Josef Felder and Stephan Gemkow are elected to the Board of Directors. Josef Felder served as Chief Executive Officer of Flughafen-Immobilien-Gesellschaft (FIG) from 1998 to 2000 and Chief Executive Officer of Flughafen Zürich AG from 2000 to 2008. 

April 27
A new viewing platform, complete with “Heligrill”, is inaugurated for plane spotters and airport fans on the western side of Zurich Airport.

May 17
Stefan Tschudin is appointed Chief Operation Officer, taking over from Stefan Conrad following the latter's move to the International Business unit in Rio de Janeiro as Chief Executive Officer Latin America. 

May 22
Flughafen Zürich AG wins the concession for the expansion and operation of Diego Aracena International Airport (IATA: IQQ) in Iquique in the north of Chile.

September 27
In collaboration with the Zurich cantonal police, automated passport control is introduced at local immigration. Renovation of the passport control hall creates space for more passengers and additional border control desks.

October 12
Two new stands for long-haul aircraft become operational in Zone West at Zurich Airport.

February 1
Stefan Gross succeeds Patrick Candrian as new Chief Commercial Officer.

April 1
Daniel Scheifele takes over as Head of Real Estate.

June 25/26 & September 10/11
Zurich Airport organizes two airport experience weekends, with a diverse programme of events for visitors from the general public. Around 30,000 visitors attend.

July 17
For the first time ever, over 100,000 passengers pass through Airport Zurich in one day.

July 22
Flughafen Zürich AG starts implementing the south-side sound insulation concept, designed to protect residents in houses to the south of the airport against early morning noise.

September 1
The lower charges requested by Flughafen Zürich AG in September 2015 are implemented with effect from 1 September 2016.

September 27
The Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA) puts the draft of the revised detailed plan for the Zurich Airport Sectoral Aviation Infrastructure Plan (SAIP2) through to the consultation phase.

January 5
Preparatory civil engineering work for THE CIRCLE.

January 30
Flughafen Zürich AG und Swiss Life Ltd announce that HRS Real Estate Ltd. has been selected as general contractor for the construction of THE CIRCLE. 

April 28
Official groundbreaking ceremony and start of construction work on THE CIRCLE.

June 22
Over and above the 240 million for sound insulation and resident protection estimated in the "Programme 2010” sound insulation programme, the Board of Directors approves further measures worth a total of CHF 100 million.

September 1
The European Union (EU) requires spot checks with explosives detectors to be carried out on passengers and their hand luggage.

October 28
The new check-in desks in the northern section and thus the entire check-in hall become fully operational.

February 1
Since the Aircraft Noise Fund has sufficient funds to cover all anticipated costs (including expropriations due to air traffic noise), the noise supplement is suspended, which leads to lower passenger charges at Zurich Airport. 

March 9
Start of complete refurbishment of the main landing runway 14/32 

March 24
After a construction period spanning several years, the southern part of Terminal 2 becomes fully operational. 

June 18
Inauguration of the new noise protection hangar for engine testing 

October 14
The 2014 application for an amendment of operating regulations (BR2014), formulated on the basis of the detailed plan for Zurich Airport in the Sectoral Aviation Infrastructure Plan (SAIP), goes into public consultation. 

December 31
Chief Executive Officer Thomas Kern steps down after seven years. He is succeeded by Stephan Widrig, member of the Management Board since 2008. Patrick Candrian is appointed new Chief Commercial Officer from the beginning of 2015, taking over from Stephan Widrig.

March 7
Council of States approves treaty. A majority of the cantons approves the treaty with Germany. A majority of the National Council also ratifies it on 5 June.

May 1
Flughafen Zürich AG implements new noise charge framework.

June 26
SAIP draft sets out spatial planning parameters for Zurich Airport. The Federal Council approves the SAIP draft for Zurich Airport. This decision provides Zurich Airport with its first set of spatial planning principles to follow.

November 15
FOCA imposes charges at Zurich Airport. The Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA) issues a decision setting out airport charges for 2014 to 2017. Overall the charges for passengers will be lower in future.

November 22
Zurich's airport operator wins operating licence for airport in Brazil. As part of a consortium with the Brazilian company CCR and Flughafen München GmbH, Flughafen Zürich AG is awarded the concession for the operation and expansion of Confins International Airport in Belo Horizonte, Brazil.

Dezember 18
Funding secured for "The Circle". Flughafen Zürich AG and Swiss Life Ltd. sign a contract to jointly finance this major real estate project.

April 19
Flughafen Zürich AG is granted planning consent for its major project THE CIRCLE.

September 4
Treaty signed by the ministers of transport Doris Leuthard and Peter Ramsauer.

Dezember 1
Start of the main construction phase for the Terminal 2 upgrade project.

March 10
Zurich is the first airport in Switzerland to introduce a satellite-based approach system. Suitably equipped aircraft can now approach north runway 14 using GPS technology.

November 27
Resounding „No“ to the block on further development of the airport with the rejection of the municipalities' Initiative II and its counterproposal.

December 1
Opening of the new Dock B, the centralised security check building and the observation deck.

February 11
The architectural competition for THE CIRCLE is won by the Japanese architectural firm Riken Yamamoto & Field Shop against more than 90 top-class entries from twelve countries.

March 12
Flughafen Zürich AG adopts a climate protection policy with the aim of gradually reducing CO2 emissions. It sets a target of reducing CO2 emissions at Zurich Airport by 15,000 tonnes to a total of 20,000 tonnes by 2030.

March 19
he Federal Office of Civil Aviation certifies Zurich Airport for the Airbus A380. The way is now clear for the largest passenger jet in the world to be used on regular scheduled routes from and to Zurich. On 28 March, Singapore Airlines commences a daily Airbus A380 service on its Zurich-Singapore route.

April 1
The airport operator is using solely the brand «Zurich Airport». The brand name “Unique” is discontinued.

April 17-20
As a result of the volcanic eruption in Iceland, Swiss air space remains closed for three days.

July 29
The curfew for night flights at Zurich Airport is extended. The night-time curfew is now in effect from 11:30 p.m., including a half-hour allowance for delays, until 06:00 a.m.

September 22
The solar plane Solar Impulse lands at Zurich Airport. It was the first landing of a solar-powered aircraft at the airport.

Dezember 22
With the Swiss Federal Supreme Court ruling of 22 December 2010, Zurich Airport's operating regulations are enshrined in law. The Swiss Federal Supreme Court’s decision places current flight operations on a solid legal foundation with established routes for departure and arrival.

February 24
Unique (Flughafen Zürich AG) launches the development of THE CIRCLE.

March 29
Schengen procedures are successfully implemented at Zurich Airport. During the night of 29 March, the separation of the Schengen and non-Schengen areas was completed.

September 27
The decisive rejection of the „fair flight initiative“ is renewed testimony of Zurich citizens' support for Zurich Airport. Following their rejection of the November 2007 initiative to restrict flight movements, the voters once again declared their support for an efficient airport.

September 5/6
Zurich Airport holds a party for all its employees to celebrate its 60th anniversary. A commemorative volume, „Flughafen Zürich 1948–2008“, chronicles the history of the airport.

October 20
The renovation of runway 16/34 is successfully completed.

October 24
A variety of new facilities commence operation as a result of the alterations required by the introduction of the Schengen Agreement: : the new arrivals hall, the renovated „Grüezi B“ bus arrival area and the corridor connecting them, plus the new bus gates B01 to B10, with tax and duty-free shop and Bar 110.

December 12
Opening ceremony and launch of the new Glatt valley tram service between central Zurich and the airport.

October 18
The operating licence for El Tepual airport in Puerto Montt (Chile) held by Flughafen Zürich AG/Gestión e Ingeniería IDC S.A. is extended for a further 15 years by Chile's Ministry for Public Buildings.

November 23
Announcement of the appointment of Thomas E. Kern to replace Josef Felder as CEO. At the same time, it is announced that CFO Beat Spalinger is to leave the company after the 2008 General Meeting. His replacement is Daniel Schmucki, former Head of Controlling Treasury & Investor Relations.

November 25
63% of the Zurich electorate rejects the initiative calling for restrictions on flight movements. The ZFI+ counterproposal calling for a noise index was accepted by 63% of the voters.

December 12
Conclusion of a joint venture agreement with Brazilian group Camargo Corrêa and the Chilean Gestión e Ingeniería IDC S.A. for the construction and operation of airports and airside infrastructure in Latin America.

August 18
The foiled terrorist attacks in London result in more stringent security regulations at Zurich Airport (ban on liquids in hand luggage).

October 28
In line with the modified approach procedure, the instrument landing system for runway 28 (approaches from the east) comes into operation.

November 6
Introduction of new regulations governing the carrying of liquids in hand luggage on flights from Switzerland.

January 20
Contracts for a 100-million government loan and development rights for a new airport in Bengaluru (formerly Bangalore), India are signed. Unique holds a 17% stake in this project.

March 3
Unique (Flughafen Zürich AG) submits the safety assessment requested by FOCA in relation to the „segmented northern approach route“, the application for which had already been submitted on 31 December 2004.

March 29
The Swiss Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA) approves the provisional operating regulations submitted by Unique (Flughafen Zürich AG) on 31 December 2003 with some restrictions. Unique appeals against certain stipulations.

November 29
The Swiss electorate votes „No“ to the abolition of Sunday trading. In the run-up to this referendum, Unique (Flughafen Zürich AG) had vigorously campaigned in favour of retaining Sunday opening.

01.03.2000
Airport Act comes into force.

10.03.2000
Groundbreaking ceremony for the 5th expansion stage in the presence of Government Council member Dr. Ruedi Jeker and Chairman of FIG's Board of Directors Ulrich Bremi.

30.03.2000
Completion of merger between Flughafendirektion (Zurich Airport Authority) and Flughafen Immobiliengesellschaft (Airport Real Estate Company, FIG) to form Flughafen Zürich AG. Final General Meeting of FIG.

06.04.2000
Launch of the new airport company under the name Unique.

12.04.2000
The Federal Council stipulates noise limits for national airports for the first time.

17.04.2000
Unique shares are listed in the main segment of the Swiss Exchange.

22.05.2000
Germany announces the termination of the administrative agreement governing flights approaching Zurich Airport over southern German territory from the end of May 2001.

23.05.2000
Inauguration of the expanded Fracht Ost cargo handling complex.

18.10.2000
The Federal Council approves the Sectoral Aviation Infrastructure Plan (SAIP). The role of Zurich as an intercontinental hub for Switzerland is expressly affirmed.

06.11.2000
Public offering of 1.3 million registered shares of Flughafen Zürich AG from the capital share of the Canton of Zurich.

15.12.2000
The application to transfer the new airport operating licence from 1 June 2001 is passed by the Board of Directors and submitted to the federal government.

23.04.2001
The transport ministers of Germany and Switzerland agree the key points of a treaty concerning flight approaches to Zurich Airport.

03.05.2001
First General Meeting of Shareholders of Unique (Flughafen Zürich AG).

01.06.2001
New operating licence for airport operator Unique comes into force.

11.09.2001
Terror attack in the US with four captured airplanes, temporary recline in worldwide air traffic.

02.10.2001
Grounding of Swissair fleet.

18.03.2003
The Council of States rejects ratification of the treaty between Switzerland and Germany.

01.09.2003
Dock E and northern section of airport now operational.

01.10.2003
Car park 3 with 2,700 spaces becomes fully operational.

31.12.2003
Submission of provisional operating regulations.

29.07.2004
The 3rd phase of the Airport Center opens.

10.-12.09.2004
Three days of special events: around 270,000 visitors experience the exciting new-look airport.

15.09.2004
Official opening of the new Airside Center with 60 commercial units. This completes the 5th expansion stage

15.09.2004
The new bus terminal opens.

28.10.2004
The instrument landing system on runway 34 commences operation.

31.10.2004
More stringent restrictions (relating to minimum weather conditions) come into effect for flight approaches over Germany.

13.11.2004
First national demonstration against aircraft noise at the Bundesplatz in Berne is attended by around 2,500 protesters.

10.12.2004
Recertification of environmental management system in accordance with ISO 14001.

13.12.2004
The Federal Council passes the revised version of its 2004 report on Swiss civil aviation policy to the Federal Assembly.

31.12.2004
Unique (Flughafen Zürich AG) submits an application to the Swiss Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA) to amend its operating regulations to allow the introduction of a „segmented northern approach route“ with visual final approach.

08.04.1953
Move into new passenger terminal.

29.08.1953
Airport opening ceremony and major air show.

29.02.1956
Submission of project for 2nd expansion stage.

23.06.1957
Proposed credit of CHF 74.3 million for 2nd expansion stage is rejected.

06.07.1958
Amended proposed credit facility of CHF 48 million is approved.

15.03.1961
Extended runway for blind landings enters service.

18.02.1969
Attack on El Al Boeing 720.

27.09.1970
Zurich voters approve credit facility of CHF 172 million for 3rd expansion stage.

30.01.1971
Construction of Terminal B commences.

01.04.1971
Completion of 2nd expansion stage: south wing of terminal A.

01.11.1972
Regulations governing night-time curfew enter into force.

01.12.1972
Opening of car park F with 1,882 parking spaces.

01.03.1973
Swissair takes over Hangar III.

20.06.1974
Introduction of new approach routes to reduce disturbance from aircraft noise.

01.11.1975
Opening of Terminal B with dock and car park B.

07.12.1975
Zurich Electorate approves CHF 25.8 million credit facility for renovating runway 16.

01.01.1976
Opening of runway 14/32, subsequent renovation of runway 16.

02.03.1978
Underground refuelling system at Terminal B enters service.

01.06.1980
Opening of SBB (Swiss Federal Railways) train service to the airport.

28.09.1980
Referendum approves CHF 48 million credit facility for civil engineering works.

01.11.1980
Introduction of noise charges.

30.09.1982
Construction of Terminal A buildings begins.

17.09.1984
Treaty governing landings and take-offs via German airspace.

24.09.1984
Opening of car park A with 2,160 spaces.

01.11.1985
Dock A opens.

17.04.1986
Inauguration of new control tower.

06.09.1987
Rejection of proposed CHF 57 million credit facility for the expansion of cargo facilities.

25.04.1991
Presentation of first environmental report.

01.11.1993
New noise charge framework, new categorisations, higher charges.

25.06.1995
Referendum approves credit facility of CHF 873 million for 5th expansion stage.

05.02.1997
DETEC grants framework concession for 5th expansion stage.

23.08.1998
Major celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary of the airport.

12.07.1999
The Zurich Cantonal Council approves the privatisation of Zurich Airport by 99 to 68 votes (60:40%).

08.11.1999
DETEC grants building permit for midfield dock.

28.11.1999
Referendum ratifies the privatisation of Zurich Airport.

22.06.1945
A federal decree declares that Zurich is to be the location for an intercontinental airport.

20.12.1945
The federal government sells 655 hectares of the military grounds at Kloten to the Canton of Zurich.

05.05.1946
Referendum approves building loan of CHF 36.8 million.

01.07.1946
Construction of the airport commences.

14.06.1948
First take-offs and landings on west runway.

27.10.1948
Founding of Flughafen Immobiliengesellschaft (Airport Real Estate Company).

17.11.1948
Runway for blind landings opens for operation.

07.05.1950
The electorate approves a supplementary credit facility of CHF 18.6 million.