The runway usage plan

Zurich Airport has three runways which handle all of the arrivals and departures. Depending on the time of day and weather conditions, Zurich Airport employs different runway usage plans with the aim of keeping air traffic as efficient and safe as possible.

Runways at Zurich Airport from above

Northern approach

Northern approach plan in English

Description

  • Landings from the north
  • Take offs to the west
  • Take offs to the south with a turn to the east
  • During north-easterly winds, take offs to the east

Runway utilisation

  • Landings: Runways 14 and 16
  • Take-offs: Runways 28 and 16 & Runway 10 (during north-easterly winds)

Operating times

  • Monday - Friday, 07:00 – 21:00 h
  • Saturday, Sunday and public holidays in Baden-Württemberg (Germany), 09:00 – 20:00 h

Eastern approach

Eastern approach plan in English

Description

  • Landings from the east
  • Take offs to the North

Runway utilisation

  • Landings: Runway 28
  • Take offs: Runway 32 (Runway 34 on some occasions)

Operating times

  • Monday - Friday, 21:00 – 23:30 h
  • Saturday, Sunday and public holidays in Baden-Württemberg (Germany), 20:00 – 23:30 h
  • If westerly wind, also during the day

Southern approach

Southern approach plan in English

Description

  • Landings from the south
  • Take offs to the north & west

Runway utilisation

  • Landings: Runway 34
  • Take offs: Runways 32 and 34, occasionally Runway 28

Operating times

  • Monday - Friday, 06:00 – 07:00 h
  • Saturday, Sunday and public holidays in Baden-Württemberg (Germany), 06:00 – 09:00 h
  • Also utilized when the eastern approach is not available in the evenings due to weather conditions (north-easterly wind, bad visibility etc.) or during the day, when neither the northern nor the eastern approach is available.
Swiss airplane at docking station at Zurich Airport

Sectoral Aviation Infrastructure Plan

The Sectoral Aviation Infrastructure Plan is the long-term planning and coordination tool for the Federal Office of Civil Aviation.

Read more

Important links and documents for aviation fans

  • By car and cars taller than 2 metres
  • By train, tram or bus

Contact from Monday to Friday

Our Visitor Services & Events Team will be happy to help you.

  • +41 43 816 21 56
  • visitorservices@zurich-airport.com