Clear Signal from the Cantonal Council of Zurich: Strong Rejection of the Airport Nighttime Peace Initiative
Zurich Airport Ltd. welcomes the fact that the Cantonal Council of Zurich has clearly by 171 votes to 5 rejected the Airport Nighttime Peace Initiative. In doing so, it follows the recommendation of its preparatory committee, which had unanimously recommended rejectingthe initiative. The rejection of the initiative is an important decision for maintaining Switzerland’s strong intercontinental connectivity.
The initiative known as the “Airport Nighttime Peace Initiative” was submitted in the Canton of Zurich on 15 April 2024. It calls for a further restriction of operating hours at Zurich Airport. Today, the Cantonal Council clearly rejected the initiative while approving the counterproposal developed by the Commission for Energy, Transport and the Environment (KEVU).
Strong signal for Switzerland’s accessibility
Today’s decision by the Cantonal Council sends a clear signal in support of Zurich Airport and Switzerland’s international connectivity. Through its clear decision, the Cantonal Council underlines the importance of hub operations at Zurich Airport and recognises that the initiative is not compatible with federal law, as Zurich Airport’s operating hours are comprehensively regulated under federal legislation.
The Cantonal Council’s clear rejection demonstrates impressively that it does not want to weaken hub operations or Switzerland’s intercontinental connectivity. It is a strong endorsement of the current operating hours from 06:00 to 23:30. Compared with other European airports, Zurich Airport already has the shortest operating hours and the lowest capacity of all Lufthansa Group hubs. The initiative would cause significant harm to Switzerland’s accessibility.
Counterproposal: No improvement to the delay situation
Zurich Airport Ltd. takes note that a majority of the Cantonal Council, contrary to the airport’s position, approved the counterproposal developed by the preparatory committee. The counterproposal and its measures will increase administrative effort without improving the delay situation.
Should the counterproposal enter into force, Zurich Airport Ltd. will comply with the reporting requirement regarding non-compliance with the federally regulated night flight regime (06:00–23:30) and will in future also report such exceptions to the cantonal authorities.
Should the initiative not be withdrawn, as publicly announced by the initiative committee, the final decision will rest with the voters of the Canton of Zurich.