Airspace violations around Zurich: Adapting flight preparation to the new structures

The year 2025 was marked by a significant change in the airspace structure around Zurich Airport. This project, called Redesign CTR/TMA Zurich, affects all users—from air traffic controllers to general airspace users—and in particular pilots who regularly fly in this area or use airfields near Zurich Airport.

The bad news: the new airspace structure around Zurich Airport has led to a significant increase in airspace violations. This was to be expected in the initial phase. Reported incidents often show imprecise flight paths, insufficient vertical distances, or habits from previous flight patterns. The good news: Fortunately, no incident has been classified as serious since the introduction in March 2025. In addition, the analysis of the incidents provides us with important information for improving the situation, namely flight preparation.

Current navigation data (aeronautical publications) for planning and flying

With the new airspace changes, old ICAO aeronautical charts are not only useless. Above all, they increase the risk of airspace violations. It is therefore essential to pay attention to the following:

• Only use up-to-date map material (ICAO map), whether in paper or digital form
• Check the validity date of the navigation data before each flight
• When using electronic maps, ensure redundancy in the cockpit
• (e.g., ICAO map additionally on paper or on another electronic device)

Change old behavior patterns for new airspace structure

Habits are hard to change – especially after almost 20 years of stable airspace structures. However, several areas around Zurich Airport have been reclassified: former E-classification areas are now partly C-airspace with lower limits. Although published, these changes are easily overlooked on familiar VFR flights. It is therefore crucial to familiarize yourself thoroughly with the new altitudes and sector boundaries. To avoid mistakes:

• Check the new vertical and lateral boundaries on the ICAO map before the flight
• Visualize changes using map.geo.admin.ch or Google Earth
• Define new landmarks/visual references for navigation (highway, buildings, river, etc.)
• Highly recommended: Book a familiarization/refresher flight with a flight instructor who is familiar with the area.

Special features in the Birrfeld area

Birrfeld Airport is located in the immediate vicinity of several controlled airspaces. There have been several airspace violations this year during arrivals and departures at Birrfeld.

Figure 1: Airspace violations in the Birrfeld area 20.03.2025 – 30.06.2025

It is important to carefully plan the route, the altitudes and directions to be maintained, and to prepare yourself mentally.

The following points should be taken into account when flying to or from Birrfeld:

• When approaching from the north (N) sector, the minimum altitude in the sector is 4000 ft, with a neighboring TMA a few hundred meters to the east already starting at 3500 ft.
• On departure, the maximum permissible altitude in sectors N and W is 3500 ft, while TMA LSZH 4D above the airfield starts at 5500 ft. This limit must therefore also be taken into account when leaving the two sectors;
• Precise altitude control, combined with a good knowledge of the geographical boundaries, significantly increases safety in this area.

Special features in the Speck-Fehraltorf area

Speck-Fehraltorf airfield is located in a complex environment within the Dübendorf CTR and in the immediate vicinity of several Zurich Airport TMAs.

Figure 2: Airspace violations in the Speck-Fehraltorf area 20.03.2025 – 30.06.2025

Flight preparation requires increased attention, especially for pilots who are unfamiliar with the area.

Important points to avoid violations of adjacent controlled airspace:

• A PPR request to the airport operator is mandatory before each flight.
• The Dübendorf CTR is potentially active at any time (HX) and can be reactivated at short notice. Early initial contact with the tower is therefore recommended in all cases.
• Radio contact with the Dübendorf tower (118.975 MHz) must be established at least three minutes before arrival
• Prior clearance from the Dübendorf tower is required for approach and departure routes over the western sector (W) and for helicopter flights
• Zones LSR84A (GND – 2500 ft) and LSR84B (GND – 3000 ft) are also active when the Dübendorf CTR is active and are subject to Class G airspace rules.
• Precise coordination with ATS services helps to avoid airspace violations.

Conclusion

Thorough preparation for the new airspace structures around Zurich – and full attention during all vertical and lateral transitions – is crucial. This also includes good knowledge of the terrain. Basic rules that always apply:

• Only fly with current Swiss aviation publications
• Do not rely on old navigation points
• Carefully plan approaches and departures near controlled airspace
• Incorporate vertical and lateral safety margins
• Determine the required frequencies and radio contacts in advance
• Obtain clearances in CTR or TMA areas early
• Avoid flights at airspace boundaries (GPS and tablets may have position deviations and increase the risk of a violation).

We wish you many happy landings and no occurrences.

Safety first, every flight, every time.