Runways, taxiways and airfield areas at Zurich Airport are exposed to high loads. This leads to wear and tear and damage to the operating areas, which must be repaired by means of construction and maintenance work. Some of this work must be carried out during the night so as not to unduly interfere with flight operations. 

Maintenance of airfield areas 

Between April and October 2026, various airfield areas across the entire airport site will be refurbished, as is the case every year. In some instances, asphalt and concrete surfaces will need to be removed, which will generate noise emissions. 

In addition, part of the joint sealant on Runway 16/34 will be renewed to maintain surface sealing and prevent damage caused by penetrating water. This work will be carried out between March and August during nightly operational pauses. No significant noise emissions are expected. 

Optimisation of wastewater separation 

Technical modifications will be made at the pumping station Delta, west of the noise protection hangar, to optimise wastewater separation. This will also require noise-intensive sheet piling work. In some cases, sheet piles will need to be installed at night and removed again once the separation structure has been completed. Night-time work will be necessary when the sheet piles are located close to Runway 16/34 and the construction work cannot be carried out during the day for operational reasons. Currently, approximately 15 nights are planned for installation and 15 nights for removal. Work will begin in April and is expected to be completed in October. 

General maintenance work 

In connection with maintenance work, various construction works will be carried out throughout the year on the apron at the hotel stands north of the existing Dock A and at Taxiway Echo, west of the Airside Center. The works will take place both during the day and at night. This will also involve noise-intensive sheet piling work, some of which will need to be removed at night. At present, approximately 20 nights are planned for the removal work. Night-time work is required whenever construction activities must be carried out in the immediate vicinity of operational airfield areas and cannot be performed during the day for operational and safety-related reasons.