Weather Aircraft have to be de-iced in Zurich due to sub-zero temperatures
The cold winter days are causing extra work at Zurich Airport. Aircraft have to be de-iced so that operations can be maintained. Delays cannot be ruled out.
07.01.2026, 15:41
SDA
Snow and ice on the wings affects the aerodynamics and therefore the lift. This is why so-called deicing teams are currently on duty at Zurich Airport.
Aircraft that have been parked outside overnight are frequently affected, explains a spokeswoman for Swissport's de-icing teams. There are therefore many de-icing operations in the early hours of the morning. The same applies in the late evening, when temperatures drop again.
"On individual days, well over 100 de-icing operations are carried out at Zurich Airport," she said. Swissport has already carried out 1,700 de-icings since October. The pilot decides whether the measure is necessary.
Depending on the type of aircraft and weather conditions, the de-icing process takes between three and four minutes. In freezing conditions, however, the procedure can also take 20 to 30 minutes if the aircraft also needs to be cleared of snow. "Delays cannot be ruled out," said an airport spokesperson when asked by Keystone-SDA.
Flights despite night closure
Due to the winter weather, flights can occasionally take off or land with an exceptional permit during the night closure. "It's just a few flights a week," said the spokesperson.
Overall, Zurich Airport is well prepared for the persistently cold temperatures. "Operations are currently stable." Whether this remains the case depends on the weather in the coming days. In the event of heavy snowfall with snow clearing on the runways and aprons, delays cannot be avoided.
