International Airport Zuerich (LSZH) IFR

Zurich was full of surprises. Very big and complicated airport and I did make a wrong turn on the complex taxiways towards the GA terminal. Unfortunately, I wasn't sure why the Jeppesen charts didn't show the setup correctly. Anyway, we entered and parked up and cleared customs very efficiently once we had processed our details in the office. A quick tram away to the station but if I am honest it's a nice walk of 15 mins to the terminal via the Circle area. A train is 20 mins into Zurich so it's worth just paying for that vs paying for a taxi which was quoted at 50-60 CHF. Sadly on Sunday we got x2 missed phone calls that our slot had been cancelled and we couldn't depart till 19:15 - this was due to the easterly winds and meant a restriction to aircraft in CAT A aircraft. Zurich is very busy with dual runway ops, so being restricted to one runway means CAT A aircraft are not allowed. This meant an overnight stay into the early hours Monday for a 0625z departure, but I got away at 0625z with a TOBT of 0610z rather than 0625z OBT. A bit pricey, but worth it for the fact Zurich is a beautiful city.

Adam

2026-01-08 11:28:34 UTC

Handling required. For a SEP overnight stay, expect a sum of airport/atc/handling/passenger/parking fees starting >500chf.

Charges Calculator: https://charges-calculator-app-service-prod.azurewebsites.net/

Handling: https://mfgz.ch/de/general-aviation-handling-zurich-airport-kloten-en/

WBT mandatory for VFR flights: https://www.flughafen-zuerich.ch/en/business/airlines-and-handling/flight-operations/general-aviation

Both VFR & IFR traffic are subject to airport slots. Earliest booking on the previous day (might be blocked due to reduced airport capacity, events, etc). Slots are available in the following blocks as of Jan 2026 (LT). CTR crossing is normally possible within the VFR blocks, rather not outside.

VFR (+-15m tolerance): 08:15-08:45 (weekdays only), 10:45-11:30, 14:45-16:30, 18:45-19:30, 19:30-20:30 (weekdays only)

IFR inbound (+-5m tolerance): 08:50-09-15 (weekdays only), 09:15-10:15, 12:30-15:15, 17:00-18:30, 20:15-20:45

IFR outbound (+-5m tolerance): 08:15-08:25 (weekdays only), 10:30-11:30, 14:15-16:30, 18:40-19:25, 21:15-21:45

AI-generated summary, as of 08/2025 - may contain errors or inaccuracies

AirfieldBot

2025-08-22 16:06:37 UTC

Zurich (LSZH) is a large, busy international airport that accommodates general aviation with mandatory handling and slot requirements for both IFR and VFR flights. The preferred and most economical handler is Motorfluggruppe Zürich (MFGZ), contactable at +41 79 899 22 11 or handling@mfgz.ch. Slots must be arranged in advance, typically by phone the day before; VFR slots are limited to specific time windows and require completion of an online familiarisation course. ATC is highly professional, with complex taxi procedures involving multiple frequency changes and specific holding points (not always shown on standard charts), so advance study of parking diagrams is recommended. IFR arrivals are usually vectored to runway 14, with high-speed approaches often requested; departures typically use runway 28 and may involve RNAV SIDs above FL100.

Handling is obligatory, with MFGZ offering the lowest rates. Fees have increased: landing, handling, and tax charges together are about 190–190 CHF; passenger fees range from about 20–25 CHF per person; parking is free for up to two hours or overnight (2300–0600), then charged at around 40 CHF for the first hour and about 12 CHF for each additional hour, totaling approximately 210–220 CHF per day. Example: landing, handling, taxes, one overnight stay, and passenger fees can total about CHF 370–400. Additional surcharges apply for arrivals or departures after 1900 local time.

Fuel (100LL) is available via bowser directly at the aircraft. Payment methods include cash and credit cards. The GAC/GA terminal offers briefing facilities and free WiFi for one hour. Customs clearance is efficient within the terminal.

Ground transport options are excellent: a tram or bus stop is directly outside the GA terminal, with trams to Zurich main station taking about 30 minutes and trains from the main terminal reaching the city in about 10 minutes. Walking distance from GAC to the main terminal ranges from 7–15 minutes; taxis to the city cost around 50–70 CHF.

Strict adherence to slot times is enforced (VFR +/-15 min; IFR clearance within a narrow window). VFR pilots must complete web-based training before booking slots. Procedures can change due to operational constraints such as runway usage or weather; see AIP/NOTAM for current details.

Zurich provides high service standards for GA but at significant cost, making it best suited for short visits or passenger drop-offs rather than extended stays.