Summary
Switzerland is one of Europe’s smaller countries, but one that packs a punch when it comes to aviation enthusiasts.
If you’re planning to visit for some plane spotting, the two main airports, at Geneva and Zürich, have plenty to see and in the case of the latter cater for the enthusiast really well. What’s more, the country is welcoming and friendly, has great scenery, and some interesting smaller airports and museums to see.
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Zurich Airport Terraces
Photo (c) Matthias Rhomberg
Zurich is a popular choice in Europe for aviation enthusiasts as it provides some excellent facilities for enthusiasts.
The airport is the busiest in Switzerland and is the main operating base for national carrier Swiss International Air Lines and its various partners. Other airlines from across Europe, North America and Asia make up the numbers with daily flights, and an interesting mix of executive jets regularly occupy the ramps.
The official viewing locations at Zurich are amongst the best in Europe.
The observation deck on top of Pier B is the original and best spot for watching and logging aircraft movements at Zurich. Aircraft pass by and park very close to this location and you will see movements on runway 16/34 and part of 10/28. You will need to wait for runway 14 arrivals to taxi closer to the terminal. This terrace is signposted within the terminal, and opens daily from 8am-8pm (summer) and 9am-6pm (winter). There is a CHF5 entrance fee.
Pier E also has a viewing terrace, but this is limited to airside visitors (8am-9.30pm) apart from certain days in the summer when a shuttle bus runs from Pier B.
Zurich Perimeter Spotting Locations
Swiss A340 about to land at Zurich. Photo (c) kuhnmi
Zurich has some other great spotting locations around the perimeter as an alternative to the piers.
One official viewing location can be found close to the end of runway 14 and is great for photographic arrivals. It is located on Bülachstrasse. To reach it, leave the airport north on Autobahn 51 and leave at exit 6. Cross two roundabouts and turn right onto Oberglattenstrasse. Eventually you’ll see the spotting area and car park on your left. You can’t see much else on the airport from here, but it’s great for arrival shots. Bus 510 will take you as far as Oberglatt, from where it’s a 15 minute walk.
An alternative spot exists on the other side of the runway 14 threshold, at the end of the small Im Hell road. It also has a car park.
Swiss Museum of Transport
Swissair Convair 990 HB-ICC. Photo (c) John Madden
Located in Lucerne, this is Switzerland’s premier collection of transport vehicles and aircraft, and well worth a visit.
With exhibits in both indoor and outdoor locations, it has a great setting on the edge of the lake.
Airliners include immaculate Douglas DC-3 and Convair 990 painted in Swissair colours. The museum is open daily 10am-6pm (5pm in winter).
Swiss Museum of Transport
Lidostrasse 5, 6006 Luzern, Switzerland | +41 41 370 44 44 | www.verkehrshaus.ch
Sion Airport
Biz jets and military aircraft mix at Sion Airport. Photo (c) Felix Kälin
Sion in south-western Switzerland is Swiss mountain airport. It is popular during the winter ski season with tourists, sightseeing flights and executive jets.
Airlines offering seasonal service include Helvetic and Swiss International, and the airport is also home to a military base. TAG Aviation are the main FBO here, with a parking apron and hangars on the south side of the runway.
There is a signposted observation deck in the terminal which is fine for watching and photographing movements on the runway.
The areas around the control tower and the Air Glaciers helicopter terminal also have good views through the fence, with a footpath to keep you safe from the road.
Spotting at Geneva Airport
There’s always a good mix of traffic at Geneva Airport. Photo (c) Felix Kälin
Geneva’s airport is located in Cointrin just the north of the city centre, and alongside the border with France.
The fairly unique system of remote satellites with their own aircraft gates, linked by underground passage to the main terminal, is still in use today allowing good management of the limited space available.
Geneva handles more business jet movements than most other European airports, with dedicated parking aprons and based FBOs like TAG Aviation.
Additionally, during the colder winter months Geneva plays host to an influx of leisure passengers destined for the nearby ski resorts in the Alps.
There are a few spotting locations around the perimeter, including at the end of runway 23 (find Chemin Des Clys and walk to a good spot), runway 05 (head in the direction of Meyrin; a footpath passes the end of the runway).
However, the easiest spot is the Panorama Terrace atop the terminal. It is open 6 days a week between March and October and has panoramic views of the parking apron, runway and mountains.
EBACE
Photo (c) Andreas Möller
The European Business Aviation Association holds a trade show every year called EBACE. It is held at Geneva Airport and makes a great time to visit if you want to catch up on biz jets and props.
It is the largest such show in Europe.
Normally held in May, it brings plenty of demonstrator models to the airport, as well as additional biz jet traffic.
Whilst the show is not open to the public, anyone working in the aviation industry or media can apply for tickets. Alternate spotting locations (see above) should allow you to log and photograph much of the traffic if you don’t have a ticket.
EBACE Website: https://ebace.aero/
Runway 34 Zurich
Photo (c) Runway34
Named after the active runway at Zurich Airport, this is an aviation-themed restaurant and bar on the south-western edge of the airport.
Inside you’ll find a preserved Ilyushin Il-14, great food and drink, and even an outdoor seating area with great views of aircraft approaching the namesake runway 34. There’s also a preserved Dassault Mirage outside.
Davos World Economic Forum
Spotters congregate at Zurich for the WEF at Davos. Photo (c) Roli B
Every January political and business leaders from around the world descend on the small town of Davos in Switzerland for the World Economic Forum.
They usually arrive on government and VIP transports – many of which are very unique and unusual in Europe, and prove a major draw to enthusiasts who want to get photographs or log them.
Despite the cold and snowy weather, many spotters head to Zurich Airport at this time, where many of them arrive and the jets are parked up. Some also head to Geneva.
Title Photo: Aero Icarus
