Swiss Federal Council Keeps 2026 Work-Permit Quotas Unchanged, Giving Employers Rare Predictability
Deep-Freeze Forces SWISS to Cancel More Flights, Disrupting Corporate Travel Itineraries
Snowstorm Halts Zurich Bus Network and Triggers Nearly 100 Road Accidents Across Switzerland
Latest News
Avalanche Danger Raised to ‘High’ in Valais, Closing Mountain Roads and Slowing Alpine Rail Freight
MeteoSwiss has raised the avalanche risk to Level 4 in Valais and neighbouring cantons, closing key mountain roads and slowing the Matterhorn-Gotthard railway. The move affects not only tourists but also engineers, supply convoys and consultants working in alpine regions, underscoring the need for robust duty-of-care tracking and alternative transport plans.
SWISS cancels more flights as deep-freeze grips Switzerland
SWISS cancelled a fresh batch of 12 flights on 11 January 2026 as sub-zero temperatures forced intensive de-icing at Zürich Airport, adding to nearly a hundred weather-related cancellations this month. Passengers face 90-minute average delays and are being rebooked or refunded, while business travellers are urged to build extra slack into itineraries. Continued freezing conditions mean more disruption is possible over the next few days.
Federal Council keeps 2026 work-permit quotas unchanged, preserving hiring certainty
Switzerland has frozen 2026 work-permit quotas at current levels, keeping 8 500 places for third-country talent and retaining separate allocations for UK nationals. Employers gain 12 months of predictability but should submit applications early, as demand traditionally exhausts quotas well before year-end.
Snowstorm paralyses surface transport: Zurich buses halted, nearly 100 road accidents nationwide
Heavy snowfall on 11 January forced Zürich to suspend bus services and triggered almost 100 traffic accidents across several cantons. Businesses are urging staff to work remotely, and logistics providers are warning of delivery delays as snow-clearing resources focus on main arteries.
Avalanche danger lifted to Level 4 in Valais, triggering road and rail restrictions
MeteoSwiss has upgraded avalanche danger to Level 4 in Valais and adjacent regions after intense snowfall, closing minor alpine roads and slowing SBB rail services. Businesses with staff or supply lines in the high Alps should review travel plans and ensure robust duty-of-care protocols.