Zone West –aviation development area

Current situation

In December 2013, Zurich Airport received planning approval for the "Zone West, Expansion of Apron Areas" project, aimed at creating 14 Code C positions (e.g., Airbus 320) or 8 Code C and up to 5 Code E positions (e.g., A340). During 2016 and 2017, an initial phase with two new positions was completed and put into operation. Due to the current and growing demand for positions – especially during the construction phase of the new Dock A – the remaining approved positions have been realised and are in use since automn 2024.

 

Project description

The second phase covered approximately 10 hectares west of the positions completed in the first phase. The new positions and service areas are arranged on both sides of the new taxi lanes, with the southern row designated for handling Code C and Code E aircrafts. Construction began in early March 2020 but was paused for two years due to the coronavirus pandemic, resuming in early 2023. The new positions are operational since automn 2024.

With the construction of the apron areas, it became necessary to relocate the spotters' hill and the Heli Grill, which were established in 2017. Due to a pending complaint, construction of a replacement facility has not yet begun. The proposed new location is about 300 meters north of the previous site, offering a direct view and closer proximity to the runway intersection.

Current situation

In recent years it has become increasingly difficult to meet the demand for hangar space for business aviation at Zurich Airport due to the changes in the business aviation segment and the increasingly larger types of aircraft used for this purpose. In addition, the taxiway routing around runway 28 requires the replacement of buildings, hangars and stands for Business Aviation. For this reason, Flughafen Zürich AG submitted a building construction project to the Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA) for approval before the corona pandemic. However, this project was halted due to the pandemic. In May 2024, a new application for approval was submitted.

Project description

The proposed project involves constructing a new terminal building for business aviation passengers, including the necessary administrative infrastructure. Additionally, the project will feature a hangar, the corresponding apron area, and the essential land-side and air-side access for the new facilities. 

The new infrastructure will be situated west of the new apron and will be connected via hangar forecourts. Land-side access to the building will be along the Glatt, with an extension of Rohrstrasse. The project also includes the provision of parking facilities.