Security became a concern following terrorist attacks targeting Israeli flag carrier El Al in 1969 and 1970. This led to an overhaul of security measures at Zurich Airport. By the1980s, Terminal A had opened with a new control tower.
Under Switzerland's "Airport 2000" initiative during the1990s, further expansions included constructing a third terminal an underground people-moving system an airside operations center costing over2.4 billion Swiss Francs These projects helped meet increasing demand for passenger air services
In1999 Zurich Airport was fully privatized with Flughafen Zurich AG taking over management Swissair collapsed in2001 leading to declined traffic but growth resumed when SWISS International Air Lines acquired by Lufthansa Group pursued expansion Modernizations followed including building new terminals improving baggage systems
Today focus on sustainability plans include building wooden energy-efficient Terminal A by2033 The facility primarily owned by canton city serves global hub millions passengers annually According statistics largest airlines market share
- SWISS:51.7%
- Edelweiss Air:9.7%
- Lufthansa:3%
- Chair Airlines:2.7%
Zurich Airport features three operational terminals connected via central Airside Center Passengers pass through single departure area before reaching Schengen or non-Schengen gates undergoing necessary immigration controls
Terminal A serving Schengen Area flights opened1971 expanded between1982- '85 Replacement plans postponed due COVID-19 pandemic Terminal B handling both Schengen non-Schengen destinations rebuilt between2008-'11
Terminal E stand-alone midfield terminal serving non-Schengen destinations opened2003 Connected Airside Centre Skymetro underground automated people- moving system
The facility has three runways16/34 (3700 meters)14/32 (3300 meters)10/28(2500 meters) Runway extensions approved March2024 enhance safety reduce noise pollution supported Swiss government political parties
Operating over80 airlines connecting continents Europe North America Asia Africa Middle East busiest routes include Heathrow Berlin Brandenburg Amsterdam Schiphol New York JFK Major cargo carriers Korean Turkish Cargo offer scheduled daily services
While lacking major low-cost airline presence easyJet operates limited routes all-business-class BeOnd flies Maldives via Dubai Diverse options available travelers ensuring efficient connections Extensive growth plans indicate more future destinations from Switzerland's principal travel hub
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