1. What does the revitalisation of water bodies mean? 
revitalisation: the restoration, by means of construction measures, of the natural functions of channelled, straightened, covered or culverted surface waters. Federal Act on the Protection of Waters (Art. 4)  

2. What specific measures are being implemented in this project? 
New meanders, shallow and steep bank zones, riverbank vegetation and reed meadows will be created. Two picnic areas with barbecue sites, seating and access to the water will be created in the Tolwäng and Fromatt areas. In addition, new paths will be created on both sides of the Glatt. 

3. Will the restoration also improve flood protection? 
The enlarged river area and locally raised banks increase the protection of neighbouring areas 
against flooding. By creating natural floodplain landscapes, the river can also better absorb flood waves. Both contribute to improved flood protection. 

4. Why is the Glatt between Opfikon and Rümlang being revitalised? 
Flughafen Zürich AG is required to implement ecological compensation measures to compensate for the habitats worthy of protection that are affected by its construction projects. The Glatt revitalisation project is being accomplished in the immediate vicinity of the airport and will therefore also compensate for ecological deficits on site. Flughafen Zürich AG is investing CHF 50 million in this project.   

5. Is this project linked to the planned runway extension? 
No, the Glatt revitalisation in the Tolwäng to Fromatt area is not a compensation measure for the runway extension. The projects are also carried out independently of each other.

6. How do the neighbouring communities and towns benefit from this project? 
The restoration of the Glatt creates diverse and ecologically valuable habitats in and around the water and at the same time reduces the risk of flooding. In addition, the local recreational offer will be expanded.   

7. Who is responsible for the care and maintenance of the picnic areas? 
The operational maintenance of the picnic areas is the responsibility of the respective municipality or town.

8. How will agriculture be affected by the measures? 
The revitalisation project requires the use of agricultural land. The soil removed from this land shall be repurposed to improve crop rotation areas in the Furttal valley. Detailed clarifications are currently underway with the canton and the federal government.

9. How many trees will be cleared as part of the project?  
Felling and clearing work is necessary to prepare the area for the construction work on the new Glatt course, the reed meadows and paths. Around 300 to 400 trees will be felled in the process. Some of the branches, trunks and rootstocks will ultimately be used to structure the new course of the Glatt. The cleared areas will be re-vegetated with native plant species later on in the project. 950 new trees will be planted as part of the project.   

10. How are the surrounding communities and towns be affected by the construction work?
The construction can cause some noise, road closures and diversions for pedestrians and cyclists. There can also be restrictions on fishing and hunting. If you have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to use the online mailbox: glatt@zurich-airport.com. You can find the latest information on the project website www.flughafen-zuerich.ch/glatt.

11. When is the project scheduled for completion?
The completion of the first construction phase in the Eichhof area is planned for the end of 2026. The project will then be put on hold. Flughafen Zürich AG will decide on the continuation of the following project sections once clear legal framework conditions have been established regarding the management of PFAS-contaminated soil.