Zurich Airport braces for WEF 2026 traffic surge with ~1,000 extra flights

Zurich Airport is preparing for a significant increase in air traffic during the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2026, taking place in Davos from 19–23 January.

Key points

• Around 1,000 additional flight movements are expected before, during and after the WEF, mainly involving business jets, state aircraft and security-related helicopter operations.
• Due to short-notice travel planning and limited parking capacity, figures remain estimates, with some flights potentially operating after 23:30.
• Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) will again be available for WEF aircraft through Jet Aviation, in cooperation with Zurich Airport.
• Observation Deck B will operate with extended hours (08:00–20:00) from 17–23 January, alongside dedicated WEF aviation tours.
• Temporary security-related restrictions may affect visitor and spotting areas at short notice, but passenger access and airport operations will remain unaffected.

Zurich Airport expects a WEF traffic profile broadly in line with previous editions, combining heightened operational intensity with enhanced sustainability and security measures.