travel

travel

Airlines demand action as border-system delays hit Schengen travel

Airports and airlines are urging the EU to overhaul its digital Entry/Exit System after continuing congestion at Schengen borders, with some passengers facing waits of up to five hours. The delays affect Swiss travellers using major European airports.

The Local Switzerland

Zurich Airport

Zurich Airport records busiest day ever with more than 123,000 passengers

Zurich Airport handled more than 123,000 passengers on a single day during the autumn holiday period, setting a provisional record. The surge provides a timely snapshot of Switzerland’s post-pandemic travel demand and the pressure placed on its main international gateway.

SWI swissinfo.ch

SWISS

SWISS Begins Starlink Wi-Fi Rollout Across Its Fleet

SWISS is beginning a phased rollout of Starlink-powered high-speed internet, with the service initially available on three aircraft and planned for the airline’s entire fleet. The move is intended to improve connectivity for passengers during flights from Switzerland.

The Local Switzerland

Swiss passport

Switzerland’s passport ranks ninth globally, offering visa-free or simplified access to most destinations, although several European passports provide broader mobility.

Le News

Switzerland

A Bank Cler survey found that 44% of respondents exceeded their holiday budget, despite many saving in advance and comparing prices before travelling. Average reported holiday spending was just under CHF2,400.

SWI swissinfo.ch

SWISS

SWISS has begun introducing free Starlink internet on board its aircraft, with the technology scheduled to reach the airline’s fleet by the end of 2029.

SWI swissinfo.ch

tourism

Switzerland ranks ninth among 110 economies in the World Economic Forum’s new Travel and Tourism Development Index. The ranking assesses the conditions for a competitive, sustainable and resilient tourism sector rather than visitor popularity.

SWI swissinfo.ch

Swiss passport

The latest global passport ranking places Switzerland ninth, with visa-free or simplified access to most destinations. Swiss citizens can enter 119 countries without a visa, while 25 destinations require them to obtain one in advance.

Le News

Swiss passport

The Swiss passport ranks ninth globally, offering visa-free or simplified access to most destinations, but Swiss travellers still need standard visas for 25 countries. Entry requirements vary significantly by region, including electronic travel authorisations for destinations such as the United Kingdom.

SWI swissinfo.ch

Swiss railways

Swiss rail travel reached a record high in 2025, with passengers covering almost 24 billion passenger-kilometres. Federal data shows a third consecutive annual record, driven mainly by increased journeys rather than longer average trips.

Le News

Schengen

The European Commission is considering changes to short-stay Schengen visa rules and fees, aiming to make the system more secure and coherent while facilitating legitimate travel. The proposal could affect Swiss residents and businesses travelling within or connected to the Schengen area.

The Local Switzerland

Switzerland

Travel from Switzerland to the United States fell further during the first half of 2026 after declining in 2025. The story examines the scale of the drop and the factors discouraging Swiss visitors from travelling to the US.

The Local Switzerland

Switzerland

Swiss visits to the United States have fallen sharply under Donald Trump, with arrivals down 16.5% in the first half of 2026.

SWI swissinfo.ch

EU

The EU’s Entry/Exit System is moving toward full enforcement of biometric checks, potentially creating longer queues at Switzerland’s borders with neighbouring EU countries. The change is especially relevant for cross-border workers, commuters and travellers.

The Local Switzerland

Schengen

The full rollout of the European Union’s Entry/Exit System could bring longer and slower checks at Switzerland’s Schengen borders. The biometric system is expected to change how non-EU travellers are registered, creating a potentially significant travel disruption for commuters and visitors this month.

The Local Switzerland

Germany

Germany plans to maintain checks at all nine land borders through March 2027, with potential consequences for commuting, tourism and freight traffic between Germany and Switzerland.

The Local Switzerland

consumer protection

A new scam is targeting people with advertisements for unusually cheap Swiss public transport tickets.

The Local Switzerland

aviation

A SWISS Boeing 777 carrying 238 people diverted to the Azores after a chemical odour was detected onboard during its Chicago–Zurich flight. Passengers are expected to return to Switzerland later today, while the cause of the odour remains under investigation.

SWI swissinfo.ch

Germany

Germany will maintain checks at all nine land borders until March 2027, with potential consequences for commuters, cross-border workers and travellers between Germany and Switzerland.

The Local Switzerland