Switzerland’s first major Alpine snowfall of the season disrupted operations at its two busiest airports over 6-7 December. VisaHQ reports that Zurich and Geneva logged a combined 10 cancellations and 141 delays as longer de-icing cycles and scarce stand space pushed departures well behind schedule.
SWISS, Lufthansa and easyJet issued travel alerts advising passengers to rebook via mobile apps after service-desk queues stretched to 90 minutes. Freight operators raised red flags too: Zurich’s pivotal role in pharma and high-value manufacturing logistics meant just-in-time supply chains faced delivery slippage.
![Snow-Hit Weekend Triggers 151 Schedule Changes at Zurich and Geneva]()
Corporate-travel departments dusted off “dual-hub” playbooks, steering travellers toward Milan or Munich should Swiss airports seize up again. Analysts note that December traditionally sees a spike in executive shuttles for Davos pre-visits and board meetings, amplifying the business impact of any delay.
The Federal Office of Civil Aviation says it will review de-icing staffing levels and may grant temporary slot-swap flexibility to speed recovery during future storms. Employers with frequent flyers are urged to remind staff of EU 261 entitlements and to build contingency time into winter itineraries.
SWISS, Lufthansa and easyJet issued travel alerts advising passengers to rebook via mobile apps after service-desk queues stretched to 90 minutes. Freight operators raised red flags too: Zurich’s pivotal role in pharma and high-value manufacturing logistics meant just-in-time supply chains faced delivery slippage.
Corporate-travel departments dusted off “dual-hub” playbooks, steering travellers toward Milan or Munich should Swiss airports seize up again. Analysts note that December traditionally sees a spike in executive shuttles for Davos pre-visits and board meetings, amplifying the business impact of any delay.
The Federal Office of Civil Aviation says it will review de-icing staffing levels and may grant temporary slot-swap flexibility to speed recovery during future storms. Employers with frequent flyers are urged to remind staff of EU 261 entitlements and to build contingency time into winter itineraries.
