NATO manoeuvres could affect Swiss air traffic in June

Operation Air Defender 23, NATO’s largest air force exercise since its inception, could mean restrictions on flights to and from Zurich airport.

The exercise is due to take place in Germany from June the 12th to the 23rd and will involve more than 220 air force aircraft and 10,000 military personnel from 24 countries.

One of the main training areas will be in Bavaria, approximately 120 kilometres from the Swiss border. The Swiss Federal Office of Civil Aviation says that the manoeuvres may result in weekday disruptions to scheduled air traffic, particularly to and from Zurich. 

No exercises will take place at the weekends.

The Federal Office of Civil Aviation says that longer flight times, delays and even cancellations cannot be ruled out across Europe, especially in the event of bad weather. 

During the operation, passengers will be advised to check changes to flight times. Private air traffic could also be disrupted for the duration of the exercise.

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