The aviation of leisure in Switzerland crosses a zone of turbulence. The EuroAirport of Basel-Mulhouse, a major aerial crossroads between Switzerland and France, recently announced that it will no longer be available for light and leisure aviation by the end of 2026. This decision aroused indignation in the aeronautical environment.
Two main reasons are advanced by EuroAirport: lack of space and non-replies in the sector. The airport also argues that considerable investments would be necessary to meet the requirements of the authorities. In addition, he underlines that in the past “various incidents” in the past.
With nearly 9 million passengers expected in 2024, the airport wants to focus on trade traffic. Moreover, an investment of 125 million francs is planned to enlarge the terminal by 2030. It should be noted that business jets are not affected by this decision.
A link in pilot training
Matthias Jauslin, president of the Aero-Club Switzerland, rebelled against this decision. He underlines that light aviation, established since 1967 at EuroAirport, plays a crucial role in the formation of future pilots.
“These aeronautical companies cut themselves into their own flesh,” he said on Wednesday in the 12:30 p.m. RTS. “Everyone claims qualified personnel, everyone needs drivers. And these staff come from light sports.”
The facts seem to prove him right. Swiss, for example, had to cancel 1400 flights this summer for lack of drivers. According to the president of the Swiss aero-club, the Light Aviation Fair, this shortage could worsen if the training possibilities are reduced.
>> Reread: Swiss cancels 1400 flights due to a lack of pilots
A disturbing national trend
This restrictive trend is observed elsewhere in Switzerland. Zurich, Kägiswil (Obwald) and Rarogne (Valais) also limit light aviation. Matthias Jauslin, who is also a national councilor (AG/PVL), calls for political awareness, fearing an impact on the entire Swiss and European aeronautical industry.
Faced with this situation, he pleads for better coordination between commercial and leisure aviation, citing positive examples abroad. “We must exploit the possibilities offered by European directives, rather than further harden Swiss prescriptions,” he says. “We must bring together all the stakeholders around a table to find solutions that benefit everyone.”
Valentin Jordil and Manuel Ferrari (RSI)
