Zurich Airport is now Switzerland's most important aviation hub, connecting Zurich to destinations worldwide. But before it became what it is today, it went through a long development process. Its history began in the 1940s when Zurich urgently needed a new, larger airport solution. Much has happened since then.
The Beginnings: A New Airport for Zurich
Before the construction of Zurich Airport, air traffic was handled through the military airfield in Dübendorf. However, in 1943, an expert group concluded that this location was unsuitable for an international airport. Despite the difficult circumstances during the war, the planners developed a project in 1944 for a new airport in the area between Kloten and Rümlang. In 1946, the population overwhelmingly approved the construction, giving the green light for the future of aviation in Zurich.
The Construction Begins
On July 1, 1946, construction began on the former artillery weapons site. The area was swampy and needed to be filled and stabilized. More than one million cubic meters of earth were moved to make the site suitable for aviation.
Just two years later, on June 14, 1948, the first plane landed in Kloten: A Swissair Douglas DC-4 from Cairo landed on the newly built West Runway 10/28. By November of the same year, regular scheduled flights began.
Growth and Expansion
From August 29 to 31, 1953, Zurich Airport was officially inaugurated with a large opening ceremony attended by around 150,000 people. With rising passenger numbers, the airport expanded. In the 1970s and 1980s, new terminals, longer runways, and state-of-the-art control systems were added. The infrastructure was continuously improved to meet international standards.
Challenges and Innovations
The 1990s brought new challenges: Air traffic became increasingly complex, security regulations became stricter, and the airport had to evolve. A significant milestone was the opening of the Finger Dock in 2003, which offers space for 27 wide-body aircraft. Thanks to the Skymetro, passengers can reach it in just a few minutes.
In 2004, the Airside Center was opened, combining shopping opportunities, dining, and modern passenger handling under one roof.
Today and the Future
Today, Zurich Airport ranks among the best airports in Europe and has received multiple awards for its service and efficiency. It is not only an important location for international air traffic but also a pioneer in sustainability: The airport heavily invests in eco-friendly technologies and more efficient infrastructure.
With planned modernizations, including the expansion of Terminal A, the airport aims to remain one of Europe's most important transportation hubs in the future.
The history of Zurich Airport is a story of growth, innovation, and constant change. Today, it connects Zurich to the world—and will continue to be an important hub for travelers from all over the globe.
