WEF 2026 NOTAM Alert

Expect NOTAM-driven parking and operational restrictions at Zurich (LSZH) during the World Economic Forum, including prior parking permission (PPR), landing limitations for larger aircraft, and restrictions on alternate airport use.

Geneva (LSGG) should not be planned as an alternate during WEF week due to recurring NOTAMs requiring advance parking reservations and frequent ramp congestion.

Operators should plan alternates outside the Zurich–Geneva corridor and monitor NOTAMs closely as the event approaches.

The World Economic Forum (WEF) is one of the most operationally restrictive annual events for business aviation in Europe. Unlike cultural or tourism-driven events, WEF is security-driven, with access controls enforced through formal NOTAMs rather than case-by-case coordination.

For operators, success during WEF depends on early approvals, fixed schedules, and disciplined alternate planning. Flexibility, which is often an asset elsewhere, becomes a liability during Forum week.

Event timing and operational impact

The 2026 World Economic Forum will take place January 19–23 in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland.

Operational pressure is highest during:

• Arrival days ahead of January 19
• The final Forum day and departure wave
• Weather-impacted winter operating periods

Why WEF behaves differently operationally

Unlike events such as Venice Carnival or the Cherry Blossom season in Washington, DC, WEF triggers formal aviation restrictions enforced via NOTAMs.

• Parking duration is capped
• Aircraft size restrictions are applied
• Alternate airport use is limited
• Approvals are enforced uniformly

Operators should plan for hard limits, not negotiated flexibility.

Primary airport – Zurich (LSZH)

Zurich is the primary airport for WEF attendees and is located approximately 90 minutes from Davos.

• 24-hour Airport of Entry
• Full GA and FBO support
• CIQ available for GA operations

During WEF week, Zurich becomes one of the most tightly controlled GA airports in Europe.

WEF NOTAM expectations

NOTAMs for WEF 2026 will be issued closer to the event date. However, Zurich Airport has historically applied the same control framework each year.

• PPR required for most non-scheduled operations
• Ground time limited to approximately 2–3 hours without approved parking
• Aircraft size restrictions based on wingspan
• LSZH typically prohibited as an alternate during WEF

NOTAMs are frequently revised as the event approaches and should be monitored closely.

World Economic Forum operations risk box – what actually breaks

• Late NOTAM issuance risk: NOTAMs are often published close to the event and amended frequently, reducing available alternates.
• Schedule rigidity risk: Changes to ETA, aircraft type, or ground time can invalidate parking approvals.
• Alternate illusion risk: Geneva is commonly assumed to be a fallback but is often unavailable due to parallel restrictions.
• End-of-event saturation: Fuel, towing, catering, and CIQ throughput degrade significantly on the final Forum day.

Operational takeaway: WEF disruptions result from stacked constraints enforced simultaneously.

Parking environment at LSZH

• Parking fills quickly during WEF
• Requests should be submitted months in advance
• Approved parking typically allows stay for the duration of the Forum
• Drop-and-go operations are generally limited to 2–3 hours

Operators should avoid assuming same-day flexibility once approvals are issued.

Alternate airport strategy

Due to concurrent restrictions at LSZH and LSGG, operators should plan alternates outside the Zurich–Geneva corridor whenever possible.

Alternate airports

Dubendorf (LSMD)

• Military airfield converted for civilian use during WEF
• Operating hours: Mon–Fri 0700–2100; weekends 0900–2100 (no overtime)
• Ample parking typically available
• CIQ handled in the military terminal
• PPR mandatory
• Flights between LSZH and LSMD prohibited
• Head-of-state flights not permitted

Friedrichshafen (EDNY)

• Approx. 90 minutes to Davos
• No slots or PPR required
• Ample GA parking
• Overtime available upon request
• Higher fuel costs due to German VAT and mineral oil tax

EuroAirport Basel Mulhouse Freiburg (LFSB)

• Full GA support
• Suitable for large-cabin aircraft (G650, ACJ, BBJ)
• Well-suited for extended parking or recovery planning

CIQ procedures

At Zurich (LSZH):

• CIQ handled at the FBO for flights with up to 24 passengers
• Larger groups must clear via the main terminal

Visas must be obtained in advance when required. Visas are not available on arrival in Switzerland.

Davos short-notice operations

• Drop-and-go operations at LSZH may be possible on short notice, subject to NOTAMs
• Parking availability at LSZH is extremely limited for late requests
• EDNY and LFSB often provide better short-notice availability
• Expect limited hotel, transport, and catering options

Permit requirements

• Private non-revenue flights: No landing permits required
• Charter (non-scheduled commercial) flights: Non-EU operators must obtain landing permits

Fuel, taxes, and ground services

• Fuel uplifts at LSZH must be completed on the day of departure
• Uplift delays are common during peak departure windows
• Fuel taxes are higher in Germany than in Switzerland
• Charter operators uplifting fuel tax-free in Switzerland must depart within 24 hours or taxes will apply
• Carrying tow bars is recommended due to high GSE demand

Ground transport and helicopters

• Pre-paid chauffeured vehicles should be arranged well in advance
• Helicopter transfers are available but weather-dependent
• Winter road conditions can significantly increase travel times

Catering considerations

• In-flight catering available at LSZH, EDNY, and LFSB
• Minimum 24 hours’ notice recommended for standard orders
• 48 hours’ notice recommended for custom catering
• Delays are common on the final Forum day

Concierge and on-ground coordination

• Ground handlers may have limited capacity for off-airport logistics
• Dedicated on-ground coordination can help manage services and schedule changes
• Particularly useful for complex or high-profile itineraries

Hotels and crew logistics

• Hotels in Zurich and Davos sell out early
• Rates are significantly elevated during WEF
• Crew accommodations should be secured as soon as parking approvals are confirmed

Key planning rules for WEF

• Expect NOTAM-driven operational restrictions
• Secure parking and alternates early
• Do not rely on Geneva as a fallback
• Treat approved schedules as fixed
• Plan fuel and GSE conservatively
• Build buffers for winter weather and end-of-event congestion