Federal Council opens civil use of military airfields

An intended additional civilian use of military airfields will also be possible in the future during the transition phase. A corresponding adapted ordinance will benefit the Dübendorf airfield. It is already intended to serve the Zurich Innovation Park that is being built there.

From June 1, 2023, so-called civil aviation uses on military airfields will also be possible during the conversion phase. The Dübendorf airfield is currently undergoing such a conversion phase from military to civil use, which will last several years. However, in order to allow aviation companies to settle there and use the airfield during this transitional phase, the Federal Council amended the Ordinance on Aviation Infrastructure accordingly at its meeting on April 26, according to a media release.

This opens up new possibilities for the Dübendorf airfield, as in the future it is to serve not only the air force and civilian emergency organizations such as REGA and the Zurich Cantonal Police, but also the Zurich Innovation Park, which is currently being established there. In the now adjusted regulation, search, rescue and police flights are no longer counted towards the quota of civil aircraft movements. Thus, a contingent remains at Dübendorf that permits civilian movements for other purposes - such as test flights for research purposes.

The Federal Office for Civil Aviation points out that the amendment to the ordinance solves a current challenge in Dübendorf. However, he said, the new rule applies to all military airfields. ce/mm

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