Executive Summary
A study by the Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA) shows that civil aviation generated direct value added of 9.8 billion francs in 2024 and created 49,000 jobs. When indirect effects are considered, total value added rose to 24.8 billion francs – almost 3 percent of GDP. Switzerland benefits from high international accessibility, with the Zurich region leading across Europe. However, aviation generates external costs of 6.5 billion francs annually, particularly through climate impacts.
Persons & Institutions
- Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA)
- INFRAS (Research and consulting firm)
Topics
- Value added and employment
- International accessibility
- External costs and climate impact
- Location factor
Detailed Summary
The study conducted by research firm INFRAS on behalf of FOCA analyzes the economic importance of civil aviation for Switzerland in 2024. The study covers all companies operating at the three national airports as well as organizations closely linked to flight operations.
Direct economic effects: Direct value added in 2024 amounted to 9.8 billion francs with 49,000 full-time equivalents. These figures include all persons and companies directly employed in the aviation industry.
Overall economic effects: When indirect effects are considered – intermediate inputs, consumption by aviation employees, and tourism – total value added rises to 24.8 billion francs. This corresponds to just under 3 percent of Swiss economic output (GDP). Total employment in this sector stands at 150,200 jobs.
Location advantage: Accessibility: Civil aviation positions Switzerland as an internationally accessible country. The three national airports – Zurich, Geneva, and Basel – form central hubs. In a European comparison of 284 regions, Zurich ranks at the top, with Basel and Geneva among the top 20.
External costs: The economic benefits are offset by external costs of 6.5 billion francs annually – primarily from the climate impacts of aviation.
Key Findings
- Direct value added: 9.8 bn CHF | Total value added: 24.8 bn CHF (2024)
- Aviation contributes almost 3 percent to GDP
- 150,200 jobs are linked to civil aviation
- Zurich has the highest accessibility in Europe
- External costs from climate impact: 6.5 bn CHF annually
- Three national airports (Zurich, Geneva, Basel) are central economic drivers
Stakeholders & Affected Parties
| Group | Role |
|---|---|
| Aviation companies | Direct value added, employment |
| Tourism sector | Indirect beneficiaries through accessibility |
| Employees | 150,200 jobs |
| Society | Bears external costs (climate, emissions) |
| Location economy | Benefits from international networking |
Opportunities & Risks
| Opportunities | Risks |
|---|---|
| High international accessibility as competitive advantage | External costs of 6.5 bn CHF annually |
| Employment multiplier: 150,200 jobs | Climate impact and emissions |
| Almost 3% GDP contribution secures prosperity | Dependence on fossil fuels |
| Tourism and business travel promotion | Noise pollution in airport regions |
| Location advantage over neighboring countries | Sustainability pressure and regulatory requirements |
Relevance for Action
Relevant for decision-makers:
- Justify infrastructure investments: High value added and employment legitimize airport expansion
- Advance sustainability transformation: External costs of 6.5 bn CHF require decarbonization measures
- Secure location competitiveness: Preserve accessibility as strategic advantage
- Address regional disparities: Focus on Zurich, Geneva, Basel – other regions benefit less
- Cost-benefit analysis: External costs must be weighted more heavily in policy decisions
Quality Assurance & Fact-Checking
- [x] Central statements and figures verified
- [x] All data sourced from official FOCA press release
- [x] No unverified data included
- [x] No apparent political bias
Supplementary Research
Recommended for further reading:
- Complete INFRAS study: Detailed methodology and sector analysis
- Aviation sustainability reports: Decarbonization pathways and technological solutions
- Comparative studies: Aviation value added in neighboring countries (Germany, France)
Sources
Primary source:
Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA) – Press release of 20 January 2026
https://www.news.admin.ch/de/newnsb/oqlGjsoaNJEvzomYIdKdv
Supplementary sources:
- INFRAS (2026): Economic Importance of Civil Aviation in Switzerland 2024
- State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO): Aviation sector reports
- European Commission: Accessibility studies of European regions
Verification status: ✓ Facts checked on 20.01.2026
This text was created with the support of Claude.
Editorial responsibility: clarus.news | Fact-checking: 20.01.2026