A new phase in the upgrade of Zurich's internal rail system. Photo: Shutterstock Zurich International Airport, one of Switzerland's main gateways and one of Europe's most important airports for connecting flights, is preparing for a significant operational change that will last about six months.
Starting Tuesday, November 3, 2026, one of the two Skymetro automated rail system tunnels connecting the Airside Center with Dock E will close.
The closure will continue, according to an announcement from the airport management on October 30, until May 2027, as part of the second and final phase of the modernization project of the internal railway system.
It is important to emphasize that despite the tunnel closure, the airport will continue to operate, and the Skymetro system will not be completely shut down.
During the works, the Skymetro system will continue to transport passengers through the tunnel that was already upgraded as part of the first phase of the project, which was completed in June 2026.
However, closing the second tunnel will temporarily reduce the system's capacity.
To cope with passenger traffic, the airport management announced that during daily rush hours, alternative buses will be operated to assist in transporting passengers between areas of the airport.
The new arrangements are particularly relevant for passengers whose flights depart from or arrive at Concourse E, including those with connecting flights in Zurich.
The port's announcement did not mention any flight cancellations, boarding gate closures, or shutdown of the extension due to the work.
The Skymetro system has been operating at Zurich Airport since 2003 and serves as the main means of transportation between the terminal area and Dock E. As part of the modernization project, the airport is upgrading the control and propulsion systems and extending the trains from three to four cars.
The first phase of the work was completed last June, and the second phase has now begun, which will upgrade the additional tunnel. Once the project is complete, four-car trains are expected to operate in both tunnels.
One of the project's main goals is to increase the system's transportation capacity in preparation for the airport's continued development.
According to the operating company's announcement, upon completion of the work, capacity will increase from 8,000 passengers per hour in each direction to 10,000 passengers per hour in each direction, a 25% increase in the system's planned transportation capacity.
The upgrade is designed to improve the efficiency of passenger movement between the terminals and support the airport's future operational needs.
From November 3, passengers passing through Zurich Airport, especially those using the E branch, may see changes to internal transportation arrangements and reduced Skymetro capacity.
The port administration plans to operate a supplemental bus service during rush hours, while the train continues to operate in the open tunnel. However, the port has not announced any extension of the required transit time for passengers or changes to the minimum connection times.
The work is expected to continue until May 2027, after which the upgraded Skymetro system should operate at full capacity.