Airside Center –Shopping and dining on the airside

The Airside Center was built as part of the fifth construction phase. Since it was opened on 15 September 2004 the range has continued to expand, adapting to changing trends and passenger needs.

Passengers will find a wide range of shopping opportunities and different restaurants and bars in the Airside Center. It also houses the Marhaba Lounge and the VIP Lounge, as well as Zurich Airport's VIP Service.

The building forms a structural link between Docks A and B. The Skymetro takes passengers from the Airside Center to the basement level of Dock E in three minutes. Rising up to 25 metres in height, the impressive building has made Zurich Airport into a “one-terminal” airport. This means that passengers can go through passport control at any point and still reach any of the gates in Docks A, B and E.

The Airside Center’s architecture is the result of a collaboration between London-based architect Sir Nicholas Grimshaw and the Swiss architectural office Itten und Brechbühl, who won the competition with their joint project. The British architect’s modernist and minimalist style had a major influence on the project planning. The elongated construction consisting of steel, glass and imposing supports is intended to look like an octopus with dozens of arms. The 20-metre-high, fully glazed facade gives visitors a unique view of the apron and creates a pleasant atmosphere with plenty of daylight, while the curved, aerodynamic roof construction provides elegance and lightness.