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Almost 62 percent of those eligible to vote say yes to Zurich Airport extending two of its runways.
Runway extensions at Zurich Airport
Canton of Zurich: Runway extensions at Zurich Airport
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AND
324,234 votes
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NO
201,198 votes
The race was actually decided in the early afternoon. In the end, almost 62 percent of those eligible to vote approved the extension of two runways at Zurich Airport. Given the heated voting battle, this extremely clear result comes as a surprise.
As expected, there are regional differences. But those communities to the east of the airport, which would be exposed to more noise if the runways were extended, are also divided. Not only did the airport town of Kloten say yes, Bassersdorf and Illnau-Effretikon also agreed to the proposal.
The communities to the north of the airport were much more united. Niederglatt, Stadel and Höri, for example, voted clearly against extending the slopes. On the other hand, the results from the left-green cities of Zurich and Winterthur stand out. Both agree to the extension of the slopes, although the left-wing parties in particular have issued the no slogans.
The security argument was convincing
For the civil parties and the Zurich government, this clear commitment to extending the slopes is a great success. The responsible Zurich government councilor Carmen Walker Späh is delighted. “This also shows that the Zurich electorate bears responsibility for the whole of Switzerland. Zurich Airport is our national airport.”
Christian Bretscher from the Pro Airport Committee is also pleased with the clear result. «We convinced with facts. That longer runways lead to more safety, fewer delays and ultimately fewer flight movements at night.” In addition, the opponents’ campaign of insecurity, as Bretscher calls it, did not work.
Specifically, opponents of runway expansion, especially the left-wing parties, fear that flight movements could increase. They don’t believe that the airport wants to spend 250 million francs without handling more flights.
Legend: SP National Councilor Priska Seiler Graf. Keystone/Peter Schneider
Priska Seiler Graf, SP National Councilor and resident in Kloten, is disappointed with the clear result. “It was difficult to fight against the promises of the airport and the government.” It would be the first time that the airport would keep its promises, said Seiler Graf. “But of course I hope for this premiere.”
Airport boss expects construction to start in 2030
Lukas Brosi, CEO of Flughafen Zürich AG, wants to keep this promise at all costs, as he says in the interview. He interprets the clear approval of the slope extension as a sign of trust. “The population in the canton of Zurich supports the airport,” says Brosi.
Legend: Airport CEO Lukas Brosi speaks of a milestone. He sees the population’s clear yes as a sign of trust. Keystone/Gaetan Bally
Planning can now begin to extend runway 28 by 400 meters to the west and runway 32 by 280 meters to the north. “We expect construction to start in 2030,” says airport CEO Lukas Brosi. Possible delays are already taken into account. It will probably be another ten years before the first aircraft can take off and land on the longer runways.