Zurich Airport (ZRH/LSZH) – Operational Guide for Private Charter Flights

Zurich Airport (ZRH/LSZH) – Operational Guide for Private Charter Flights

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Zurich Airport (LSZH) is Switzerland’s largest international airport and a preferred entry point for private, corporate, and charter flights into Central Europe. Known for its efficiency, premium services, and strict operational rules, Zurich offers excellent infrastructure and FBO support for non-scheduled movements — but also enforces strict slot adherence and no-exception curfews.

ASM provides full-spectrum flight support at LSZH, ensuring seamless operations that respect the airport’s highly regulated environment.

Zurich Airport Overview

Airport NameZurich Airport
IATA CodeZRH
ICAO CodeLSZH
LocationKloten, Zurich, Switzerland
Elevation151,417 ft (432 m)
RunwayThree – 16/34, 14/32, and 10/28
Operating HoursPrivate FlightsAllowed between 06:30 LT and 22:00 LT (last slot 21:45)
Aircraft must land or take off no later than 21:59 LT
No exceptions or extensions are granted
Operating Hours – Commercial FlightsAllowed between 06:00 LT and 23:30 LT (last slot 22:45)
Aircraft must have ATC clearance by 23:00 LT
All landings/takeoffs must occur by 23:29 LT latest
Time ZoneUTC +1 (Standard Time) / UTC +2 (Summer Time – CEST)

Zurich Airport Operational Information

CategoryInformation
Airport Slot PermitSlots are mandatory and subject to availability
Flight plans must match the assigned slot exactly (+/- 0 minutes)
Any deviation will result in slot cancellation or denied access
Landing Permit
Overflight Permit
CIQ FacilityCustoms, Immigration & Quarantine (CIQ) is available at the FBO
Services are expedited for both Schengen and non-Schengen passengers
FBO ServicesAvailable
VIP LoungeAvailable
Passenger & Crew VisasNeed to have Schengen Visa
Parking & HangarageAvailable
Aircraft FuelAvgas/Jet Fuel Available
In-flight CateringThere are a few In-flight catering companies present in Zurich which ASM is contracted with.
Noise AbatementMON-FRI: 01:00-07:00LT and 21:00-00:59LT;
SAT, SUN and German public holidays: 01:00-09:00LT and 20:00-00:59LT. Landings before 06:00LT are not allowed.
Night Flying RestrictionsNight surcharge applies for movements after 22:00 LT
Additional overtime charges apply for commercial operations after 23:00 LT

Key Challenges in Operating to Zurich

  1. No Slot Flexibility
    Zurich enforces zero-margin slot adherence. The filed flight plan must exactly match the slot timing. Even a 1-minute deviation can lead to rejection or delay. ASM ensures flight plan and slot coordination are perfectly aligned.
  2. Strict Night Curfews
    No extensions are granted beyond the airport’s regulated hours. Operators must land or depart within the slot window or reroute to alternates. ASM assists in contingency planning for any unexpected delays.
  3. Limited Slot Availability
    As a busy European hub, slots are competitive — especially during ski season, Davos WEF, or summer tourism months. ASM helps secure early slot reservations and monitors slot availability in real-time.
  4. Additional Charges for Late Ops
    Flights operating beyond 22:00 LT incur night surcharges, and operations after 23:00 LT face further overtime fees. ASM advises clients upfront to avoid unexpected costs.

How ASM Supports Seamless Operations in Zurich

Operating at Zurich Airport requires precision, preparation, and real-time coordination. ASM offers customized support to ensure your private or charter operation runs smoothly, stays compliant, and avoids costly delays.

Here’s how we ensure your operation runs smoothly with ASM Flight support services:

Slot Management & Flight Plan Alignment
Zurich enforces exact slot adherence with zero margin. ASM ensures your airport slot and flight plan match to the minute, securing access and preventing rejection at clearance.

CIQ Coordination & VIP Handling
We arrange customs and immigration clearance directly through the FBO and coordinate VIP lounge access for crew and passengers, ensuring a swift and private ground experience.

Permit & Airport Authority Liaison
For commercial operators, ASM handles communication with Swiss aviation authorities, managing permits and operational approvals as required.

Fuel, Parking & Ground Services
We pre-arrange apron parking, fuel uplift (Jet A-1), and coordinate all on-ground handling services to keep your turnaround quick and efficient.

Crew & Passenger Logistics
From luxury ground transport and hotel bookings to concierge requests, ASM supports your team and guests with end-to-end ground arrangements tailored to your itinerary.

24/7 Operational Support
Our operations team is on standby around the clock to manage slot updates, weather impacts, and flight plan changes — ensuring uninterrupted mission execution.


Why Choose ASM for Zurich?

Zurich is efficient but unforgiving to uncoordinated operations.

ASM ensures:

  • Total slot and compliance accuracy
  • Timely approvals and ground coordination
  • Reliable handling of last-minute operational changes
  • Premium service delivery for VIP and business travelers

Contact ASM for Zurich Flight Support

For flight planning or operational support at Zurich Airport (LSZH), contact our 24/7 team:

📩 Email: sales@asm.aero
🌐 Website: www.asm.aero

📞 Contact ASM
🔗 Learn more about our Flight Support Services


Fly to Zurich with confidence and ease with ASM flight support services.