Severe thunderstorms and repeated lightning strikes caused major disruption at Zurich Airport on Friday, forcing SWISS to cancel 85 flights and affecting approximately 11,200 passengers.
The disruption intensified throughout 28 August. SWISS had initially reported 27 cancellations affecting around 3,100 passengers by lunchtime, but the figures rose sharply during the afternoon. Numerous other flights experienced delays of up to three hours, with some waiting even longer. Further cancellations remained possible during the evening.
Lightning near the airport prompted several “handling stops”, during which apron employees were required to move away from aircraft and other metal structures. Aircraft could consequently not be loaded, unloaded, refuelled or prepared for their next services.
Thunderstorms also reduced Zurich’s arrival and departure capacity, increased taxiing times and restricted operations in Swiss airspace and neighbouring parts of Germany and France. Delays accumulated as aircraft and crews arrived late for subsequent rotations, creating an increasingly severe operational bottleneck towards the evening.
SWISS said it was working with Zurich Airport and air navigation service provider Skyguide to stabilise operations. Chief Operating Officer Oliver Buchhofer called for close coordination and full use of the available operational options, saying all three organisations shared responsibility towards passengers.
The airline said it would cover necessary expenses resulting from the disruption, including meals, hotel accommodation, taxi journeys and telephone calls. Passengers may submit receipts to SWISS customer service for reimbursement.