Sky lanterns

Sky lanterns are not permitted in certain parts of Switzerland, including in the cities of Zurich and Bern, within a 12km radius of Basel-Mulhouse airport – and therefore in the entire canton of Basel Stadt – and in the cantons of Basel-Landschaft, Valais and Geneva. Authorisation from Skyguide is required to launch sky lanterns near aerodromes with air traffic control; within a radius of 5km of Zurich and Bern airports, authorisation is generally only granted after close of operations.

For reasons of aviation safety, the following must be taken into account before releasing sky lanterns

The point of release must be located more than 5km away from the runway of civil and military aerodromes.

The payload of the lantern must be less than 2kg.

The volume of the sky lantern must be less than 30m3.

Additional aspects to note

The competent communal or cantonal authorities and/or fire service must be consulted about any requirements at the launch site not relating to aviation safety (Art. 34 DETEC Ordinance on Special Category Aircraft).

If there is a possibility of the lanterns flying over the national border, the regulations of the respective neighbouring country or countries must be complied with. It is therefore recommended that sky lanterns are released at least 5km from the national border.

The owner of the land from where the sky lanterns are to be released must give their consent.

FOCA authorisation

Authorisation from the FOCA, which is subject to a fee, is required if:

The volume of the sky lantern is greater than 30m3
The payload is greater than 2kg.

Requests for authorisation must be submitted by email to the FOCA at least 20 working days before the event.

Authorisation from Skyguide or the aerodrome manager

Authorisation from Skyguide is required if the point of release is less than 5km from the runway of a civil and/or military aerodrome with air traffic control.
Use the aerodrome map and Skyguide Special Flights link (SFO tool, 10 working days before the event) under further information.

Authorisation from the aerodrome manager is required if the point of release is less than 5km from the runway of a civil and/or military aerodrome with air traffic control.
Use the aerodrome map and airports, airfields and heliports contact details link under further information.

Principles

Sky lanterns are, in principle, to be operated in such a way that hazards to persons, property or other aircraft are minimised and the conditions set out in Annex 2 of Implementing Regulation (EU) No 923/2012 (SERA.3140) as well as the requirements set out in Article 24 of the DETEC Ordinance on Special Category Aircraft (OSCA) are complied with.

Map of Swiss aerodromes with a 5km radius around the runway(s)

The interactive map only shows restrictions on the flying of sky lanterns in relation to Swiss aerodromes. Click on a given zone to get information on restrictions and where to obtain authorisation. The competent communal or cantonal authorities and/or fire service must be consulted about any requirements at the launch site not relating to aviation safety.