A quarter century of Zurich Airport: From privatization to international expansion

Aviation Direct
01 April 2025

Twenty-five years ago, on April 25, 1, the foundation was laid for a new era in Swiss aviation: Zurich Airport AG was created through the merger of the Flughafen-Immobilien-Gesellschaft (FIG) and the Flughafendirektion Zürich (FDZ).

This step marked the transition from a cantonally administered institution to an independent, mixed-economy company.

Since then, Zurich Airport AG has developed into one of the leading airport operators, both nationally and internationally.

The privatization of Zurich Airport was the result of a referendum in 1999, in which 61,2% of Zurich voters voted in favor of separating the airport from cantonal administration.

The newly founded Flughafen Zürich AG began operations on April 1, 2000. 

Even in its early years, the company faced significant challenges: The fifth construction phase, known as "Airport 2000," was well underway and included major projects such as the Airside Center, Skymetro, and Dock E.

These extensive investments coincided with the events of September 11, 2001, and the grounding of Swissair, which shook the aviation industry worldwide.

Read on:   A quarter century of Zurich Airport: From privatization to international expansion – Aviation.Direct