In 2024, Swiss civil aviation will generated direct added value of CHF 9.8 billion and 49,000 jobs (full-time equivalents). Zurich Airport generates around the same amount of value as that of a medium-sized Swiss town. Direct and indirect added value amounts to around CHF 8 billion.

Zurich Airport not only guarantees good accessibility for Switzerland, it is also an important business location. It is a regional workplace center and an important client for local businesses.

Air freight plays an important role for Switzerland and its economy. In 2024, 52.1% of Swiss exports by value were transported by air freight, underlying the strategic importance of air transport for foreign trade. 

Zurich Airport is Switzerland's most important air freight location and handles nearly 40 % of Swiss air freight export volumes. These goods are almost exclusively transported as “belly freight” on passenger aircraft.

Zurich Airport ensures Switzerland remains internationally connected. The daily direct flights to major cities in Europe and around the world are made possible mainly thanks to the hub operations that the airport runs together with SWISS International Air Lines.

Zurich has the highest accessibility of all European regions for destinations within Europe and is also among the leaders in intercontinental connections.

This degree of accessibility also has a positive impact on tourism in Switzerland. In 2024, out of a total of 23 million overnight stays by foreign guests, 13 million overnight stays were attributable to guests who travelled directly to Switzerland by plane. This corresponds to 55% of the demand for overnight stays by foreign guests.

Since its privatisation in 2000, Zurich Airport Ltd. has invested on average CHF 1 million per working day in the expansion, maintenance and operation of the aviation infrastructure. Businesses in the region benefit from this as clients.