Flight Operations

Foreign air carriers wishing to enter, transit or flyover Switzerland with civil aircraft may require a permit, depending on the domicile of the operator and the type of flight.

In civil aviation, the purpose of security measures is to protect against external threats such as aircraft hijackings, acts of sabotage and terrorist attacks.

The transport of dangerous goods is regulated by ICAO Annex 18 (including Technical Instructions) and by Articles 16 et seq. of the Swiss Federal Air Transport Ordinance.

For commercial air transport of passengers, mail and cargo (CAT), an Air Operator's Certificate (AOC) and an Operating Licence are required.

Guidance Material / Information

Specialised operations SPO is where the aircraft is used for activities such as agriculture, construction, photography, surveying, observation and patrol or aerial advertisement.

Information on national regulations for private and commercial helicopter operations in Switzerland.

Since April 8th 2019, regulation (EU) No. 2018/395 applies to the operation of balloons. The European Aviation Safety Agency EASA has developed rules for the operation of private and commercial balloon flights, for the licensing of pilots, as well as for the maintenance and certification of balloons.

Ground Handling - Operations Manual - Radiological Protection - Ramp Inspection - Flight simulators - Vocanic Ash

Foreign state flights over or into Switzerland require special permission, known as diplomatic clearance. This permission is granted by FOCA in consultation with other federal offices.