The 2025 annual World Economic Forum (WEF) is scheduled for January 20–24 in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland. This high-profile event, attended by influential global leaders and business executives, generates significant business aviation traffic, resulting in airport congestion and service limitations. Pre-planning is essential to ensure smooth operations. Below is everything you need to know.

World Economic Forum Davos Primary airport

Zurich is the primary airport for the World Economic Forum.

Zurich (LSZH) is the primary airport for WEF attendees, located approximately 90 minutes from Davos. As an airport of entry (AOE), it offers full GA support, including FBO services.

However, several restrictions apply during the WEF period due to increased traffic:

NOTAM Updates for Zurich Airport (LSZH) for WEF 2025:

1. Parking Restrictions:
   • From January 19 (0500 UTC) to January 25 (1330 UTC), prior parking permission (PPR) is required for non-scheduled and non-commercial flights with ground time exceeding 2 hours.
2. Landing Restrictions:
   • Aircraft with wingspans exceeding 17 meters are prohibited from landing before 1300 UTC during the same period unless prior parking approval has been obtained.
3. Alternate Airport Use:
   • Zurich Airport cannot be used as an alternate airport during the WEF for non-scheduled and non-commercial flights.

World Economic Forum Parking availability

Parking at LSZH fills up quickly during the WEF. Submit parking requests as early as possible—ideally a year in advance—to secure availability. If granted, parking usually permits a stay for the duration of the Forum.

Drop and gos

For drop-and-go operations, LSZH typically allows up to 2-3 hours on the ground. However, flexibility and pre-coordination are vital due to high traffic volumes.

Alternates for Parking

If parking at LSZH is unavailable, consider these options:

Dubendorf (LSMD):

Dubendorf is a military airfield converted to civilian use during the WEF and is located near downtown Zurich.

• Hours: Monday–Friday 0700–2100 local, weekends 0900–2100 local (no overtime available).
• Parking: Ample availability.
• Customs and Immigration: CIQ is handled in the military terminal.
• Requirements:
  • PPR is mandatory.
  • Flights between LSZH and LSMD are prohibited.
  • Head-of-state flights are not permitted.

LSMD is an excellent option for operators unable to secure parking at LSZH and is conveniently close to Zurich.

Friedrichshafen (EDNY):

Friedrichshafen, located in Germany, is a popular alternative for Davos attendees and offers robust facilities for GA.

• Drive Time: Approximately 90 minutes to Davos.
• Hours: Monday–Friday 0600–2200 local, weekends 0900–2000 local (overtime available upon request).
• Requirements: No slots or PPR required.
• Parking: Ample availability.
• Considerations: Fuel costs are higher due to German taxes.

EDNY provides a reliable option for operators, especially for those repositioning after dropping passengers at LSZH.

Basel (LFSB):

Located further from Davos, Basel is ideal for repositioning larger aircraft or as a backup for LSZH.

• Facilities: Full GA support, including fuel and credit options.
• Parking: Suitable for larger aircraft like G650, ACJ, or BBJ

CIQ procedures

At LSZH, CIQ is handled at the FBO for flights with up to 24 passengers. Larger groups must clear at the main terminal. Be aware of visa requirements for Switzerland, as visas cannot be obtained upon arrival.

Davos Short-Notice Operations

If you’re planning a last-minute trip to Davos, flexibility is key. Drop-and-go operations at LSZH are typically possible, and alternate airports like EDNY and LFSB often have availability. However, expect limited options for hotels and ground transport.

Permit Requirements

• Private Non-Revenue Flights: No landing permits are required for Switzerland.
• Charter (Non-Scheduled Commercial) Flights: Operators not registered in the EU must secure landing permits.

Operating flexibility

Once you have airport slots, parking, and crew accommodations confirmed it’s best to try to stick with your schedule. Any changes, including arriving early or late or needing to extend parking, could impact any authorizations you’ve already obtained.

Support Services

Both LSZH and EDNY provide full GA support services. LSZH has an FBO and VIP lounge, though expect slower-than-usual service due to high demand. For fuel, plan uplifts the day before departure when possible, as delays are common on the final event day.

Ground Transport

Arrange pre-paid car services or helicopter transfers well in advance. Helicopter transfers between LSZH/EDNY and Davos are available but weather-dependent. Winter road conditions may significantly increase travel times.

Fuel uplifts and ground support equipment

We recommend carrying fuel releases for uplifts, although major aviation cards are usually accepted. Credit options are available at all airports, but fuel taxes vary between Switzerland and Germany, with taxes higher in Germany. As local airports will be congested during the Davos Forum, it may be best to uplift fuel the day before departure to avoid day of departure delays. In Switzerland, if you fill up tax-free as a charter operation, be mindful that taxes will become due and payable if you do not leave the country within 24 hours.

LSZH fuel uplifts, by regulation, must be done on the day of departure. Uplift delays may be experienced, particularly on the last day of the event. Be aware that fuel costs are usually higher at EDNY, due to higher value added taxes (VAT) and mineral oil taxes (MOT).

Although ground support equipment (GSE) and tow bars are normally available at both LSZH and EDNY we recommend carrying tow bars due to higher than normal demand during the WEF period.

Catering considerations

In-flight catering is available at all of the above airports. A minimum of 24 hours’ notice is recommended for standard/basic order with at least 48 hour suggested for custom orders. We recommend sending in catering orders as far in advance as possible

Hotels and Local Transport

Hotels in Zurich and Davos will be fully booked, and rates will be significantly higher. Early booking is essential for both accommodations and transport.

Onboard Pets and Weapons

Regulations vary for pets and firearms. Consult your trip support provider or local ground handler for specific requirements.

Consider utilizing a dedicated on/off-airport concierge agent

When attending an event like Davos, having a dedicated resource to oversee everything on-airport is always a smart move. In some cases, ground handlers can support some off-airport requests, but with local ground handlers all preoccupied with so many movements, it is likely depending on your schedule and your location, you’ll need an additional extra layer of oversight and support on the ground. To serve as an on-the-ground extension of our trip support services teams, Universal has a dedicated Air2Ground Concierge agent stationed in the region. Our agent will follow up on all on-airport services, and can help with off-airport arrangements, like hotels, local tours, and event tickets. For more information on Universal Aviation VIP agents, click here.

Conclusion

The 2025 World Economic Forum will create one of the busiest periods for Zurich Airport and surrounding facilities. With strict parking, landing, and alternate airport restrictions in effect, advance planning is essential. Submit parking requests early, secure transport and accommodations, and remain flexible to adapt to the high-traffic environment. For more detailed support, contact your trip support provider or a local concierge service.