Between 9 and 17 March 2026, and if necessary on 1 and 2 April 2026, regular calibration flights will be conducted to check the instrument landing systems (ILS) and the rotating radio beacons (VOR/DME). These flights will take place in the afternoon and at night, after the end of regular flight operations, until no later than 02:00.

To verify the instrument landing systems, approaches must be flown on the side of, above and below the published flight path. For this reason, some calibration flights will also take place away from the usual approach routes. The reception of the VOR/DME stations must also be tested from greater distances. As a result, areas well beyond the immediate airport vicinity will be overflown. The signals from the relevant navigation systems received by the aircraft are recorded and analysed. The next regular calibration flights at Zurich Airport are scheduled for late summer 2026.

Additional calibration flights between April and June

Due to international requirements, the northern approach procedure for runway 16 must also be validated during the week from 27 April to 1 May 2026. These flights will take place in the afternoon.

In addition, the glide path transmitter for runway 28, which is part of the instrument landing system, will be replaced this spring. Before the new transmitter can be put into operation, it must undergo comprehensive testing and verification. The required calibration flights will take place between 8 and 19 June 2026, both in the afternoon and at night until no later than 02:00.

All calibration flights will be carried out using a twin-engine turboprop aircraft of the type Beechcraft King Air 350. The aircraft is equipped with state-of-the-art navigation aids and a high-precision flight measurement device. Skyguide air traffic control is responsible for the planning and execution of the flights.