The first major Alpine snow of the season stressed Switzerland’s two busiest airports on 6-7 December, with Zurich and Geneva together logging 10 flight cancellations and 141 delays, VisaHQ reported. Although runways remained open, longer de-icing cycles and scarce stand space pushed departures well behind schedule, sending ripple effects across Europe’s network.
SWISS, Lufthansa and easyJet all issued travel alerts, encouraging passengers to rebook via mobile apps after airport service desks saw queues stretch to 90 minutes. Freight operators flagged concerns too: Zurich’s status as a critical hub for belly cargo meant just-in-time supply chains, particularly in pharmaceuticals and high-value manufacturing, faced delivery slippage.
![Snow-Hit Weekend Forces 10 Cancellations and 141 Delays at Zurich and Geneva]()
Corporate-travel managers dusted off “dual-hub” playbooks, advising staff to consider Milan or Munich as alternatives should Swiss hubs seize up again. Analysts note that December traditionally sees a spike in executive shuttles for board meetings and Davos pre-visits, making punctuality vital.
The Federal Office of Civil Aviation said it will review de-icing staffing levels and is considering temporary slot-swap flexibility to help airlines recover winter schedules faster. Passengers delayed more than three hours may be eligible for EU 261 compensation, though weather-related exemptions could apply.
SWISS, Lufthansa and easyJet all issued travel alerts, encouraging passengers to rebook via mobile apps after airport service desks saw queues stretch to 90 minutes. Freight operators flagged concerns too: Zurich’s status as a critical hub for belly cargo meant just-in-time supply chains, particularly in pharmaceuticals and high-value manufacturing, faced delivery slippage.
Corporate-travel managers dusted off “dual-hub” playbooks, advising staff to consider Milan or Munich as alternatives should Swiss hubs seize up again. Analysts note that December traditionally sees a spike in executive shuttles for board meetings and Davos pre-visits, making punctuality vital.
The Federal Office of Civil Aviation said it will review de-icing staffing levels and is considering temporary slot-swap flexibility to help airlines recover winter schedules faster. Passengers delayed more than three hours may be eligible for EU 261 compensation, though weather-related exemptions could apply.
