Bern Belp Airport (LSZB)

Bern (LSZB) offers professional ATC and efficient handling for both VFR and IFR flights. Precise adherence to published VFR arrival and departure routes is expected, and circuit patterns require approval, typically obtained by radio with the tower. IFR approaches include ILS and LPV procedures, with city circling possible. For aircraft under 2 tonnes, PPR is generally not required for intra-Schengen flights; however, handling is mandatory for arrivals or departures outside Schengen. The main GA parking area (Sector Blue) is self-park, adjacent to self-service fuel pumps for UL91 and 100LL, payable by credit card; Jet A1 is delivered by truck. Parking space can be tight at times.

The first two hours of parking are free; after that, daily rates apply. Example: landing fee about CHF 50–60, with parking about CHF 20–30 per day. Example: landing plus one hour parking about CHF 60. Fees are settled by credit card at the terminal or via invoice by email. Crew and passengers are welcomed in the GA terminal with complimentary coffee and chocolate. No security check is required when returning to the aircraft—showing license and ID suffices—and high-visibility vests are mandatory on the apron.

Public transport connections are good: a bus stop at the terminal provides direct links to Bern and Thun without needing a taxi. Taxis to Bern cost around CHF 50–70. Car hire is available in the terminal but may require advance notice as counters are not always staffed.

Warnweste (high-visibility vest) use is required on the apron, and pilots should be prepared for strict adherence to noise abatement and routing procedures. For non-Schengen flights, handling is compulsory; procedures vary—see AIP/NOTAM.

Customs clearance for Schengen flights requires only a flight plan; no special advance notice is needed for Swiss border entry in these cases. Overall, Bern provides efficient service, moderate fees for Switzerland, and convenient access to the city for general aviation pilots.