Flights from Zurich more punctual in summer 2025

From the beginning of June to mid-August, 49% of the 17,000 or so commercial flights took off more than 15 minutes late. In summer 2024, however, the figure was significantly higher at 58%.

The average duration of the delay also improved. Instead of 44 minutes as in the previous year, travelers only had to wait an average of 38 minutes for their departure this summer. This was the result of an analysis of the airport's online departure table. Some of the delays can also sometimes be made up during the flight.

Fewer night flights

The number of flights that were postponed into the night due to delays also fell. From 11 p.m. to 11.30 p.m. - the half hour set aside for reducing delays - 116 aircraft took off this summer. This compares to 231 in 2024. The proportion of total flights thus halved from 1.4 to 0.07 percent.

This half hour to reduce delays is currently the subject of political debate: a cantonal "night rest" initiative is calling for a reduction in operating hours from 6 am to 11 pm.

Measures are taking effect

Delays are a perennial issue when it comes to air travel, especially in summer. The airports and airlines have therefore made it their mission to increase punctuality. In addition to additional staff, Zurich Airport, for example, is using a camera system that detects delays in aircraft preparation at an early stage and a planning system to optimize processes.

The airline Swiss introduced 300 measures last fall. These include an increase in transfer times, turnaround managers to improve aircraft handling and higher reserves. On Thursday, Swiss will publicly review its summer flight operations.

According to data analyzed by AWP, 51 percent of Swiss flights from Zurich were delayed from June to mid-August - compared to 61 percent in the previous year.