The modernisation of Zurich Airport’s Skymetro system is set to hit its second and final construction phase as the tunnel prepares to close for the next six months.
From 3 November 2026; the Skymetro will begin to operate at a reduced capacity whilst work is underway, and a replacement bus service will be provided during peak times.
Opened in 2003, the Skymetro connects the Airside Centre with Dock E, and is now undergoing a series of upgrade works in order to both ensure long-term operation and create additional capacity. Main works are focusing on improvements to the system’s control and drive technology, whilst Zurich Airport Ltd. will also use this time to convert the existing setup from a three-car to a four-car train situation.
The first of two construction phases was completed in June 2026, and this previously completed section will be used to operate a smaller-scale set of Skymetro services until May 2027 – when the second construction phase is expected to be completed.
Once the second phase is complete, four-car trains will begin operating in both tunnels in an effort to increase the system’s capacity from the current 8,000 to 10,000 passengers per hour in each direction and complete Skymetro’s modernisation programme.
