Background: Continuous development of the airspace
The Swiss airspace structure is one of the most challenging in Europe. The combination of alpine terrain, dense traffic volumes and a close intermeshing of VFR and IFR traffic requires regular adjustments. The aim is to improve safety, efficiency and capacity at the same time.
This process will continue in 2026. The new regulations are based on a combination of operational experience, increasing traffic requirements and the need to better integrate modern approach procedures into existing airspace structures.
Close coordination between air traffic control, authorities and user groups such as general aviation and gliding plays a key role here.
New IFR approach to runway 32 in Bern
One of the most significant changes concerns Bern Airport. The introduction of a new instrument approach to runway 32 will improve the usability of the airport in difficult weather conditions.
However, this new southern approach has a direct impact on the surrounding airspace. IFR approach procedures require defined protected areas that must be kept free of other traffic. In practice, this often leads to adjustments to airspace boundaries, height separation and approach rules.
For VFR pilots this means in particular:
- New or adapted airspace segments in the Bern area
- Increased attention when crossing approach and departure routes
- Possible restrictions in certain height bands or areas
Precise situational awareness is crucial, especially in mixed operations with IFR traffic. Modern navigation aids such as moving maps or traffic systems can help here, but are no substitute for careful flight preparation.
Adaptations around Sion: Complex Alpine airspace
The airspace around Sion has also been revised. This area is particularly challenging, as military use, civil IFR traffic and intensive VFR activities come together here.
The adjustments affect both the control zone (CTR) and the terminal areas above it (TMA). The aim is to structure processes more clearly and reduce conflicts between different types of traffic.
In practice, this means
- More precise airspace boundaries and possibly changed activation times
- Adjustments to approach procedures into the CTR
- Improved integration of IFR approach and departure routes
Pilots who regularly travel in alpine regions should study these changes particularly carefully, as even small adjustments can have a major impact on route planning.
Zurich: Fine-tuning in Switzerland's most complex airspace
The Greater Zurich Area remains one of the most complex airspaces in Europe. This is where international scheduled flights, business aviation and general aviation come together in a very confined space.
The changes for 2026 are less revolutionary, but rather a targeted fine-tuning of existing structures. These include, among other things:
- Optimisation of the TMA structure
- Adjustments to height bands
- Improved separation between IFR and VFR traffic
For VFR pilots, this means above all that familiar procedures will continue to apply, but with updated limits and parameters. Precise knowledge of the current chart is therefore essential.
Special significance for gliding
An often underestimated aspect of airspace planning concerns gliding. This plays a particularly important role in Switzerland, especially in the Jura and the Alps.
As part of the changes, specific gliding sectors were also adapted, including areas such as LSR29 and LSR33 in the Jura. These zones serve to concentrate gliding activities and at the same time avoid conflicts with other road users.
For glider pilots this means
- Adjustments to the usable airspace
- Possible change in activation times
- New coordination with neighbouring controlled airspaces
Motorised pilots should also keep an eye on these areas, as there is likely to be more glider traffic.
New ICAO chart 2026 as a central basis
The airspace changes are also accompanied by the publication of the new ICAO aeronautical chart at a scale of 1:500,000. This is binding for VFR aviation and fully depicts the updated airspace structure.
The map is provided in both printed and digital form and is therefore an integral part of flight preparation. Especially in a dynamic environment such as Switzerland, it is essential to always work with up-to-date maps.
Digital solutions offer additional advantages, such as automatic updates or the integration of NOTAMs and weather data. Nevertheless, a basic understanding of the airspace structure remains essential.
Operational implications for pilots
The 2026 changes are not a radical upheaval, but a targeted further development of existing structures. Nevertheless, there will be relevant effects in detail:
- Increased planning effort, especially for flights in the Bern area
- Adaptation of familiar routes due to new airspace boundaries
- Even greater importance of situational awareness in mixed traffic
- Need to consistently use up-to-date maps and information
Occasional pilots in particular should take the time to understand the new features and use them safely.
Source references:
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