Zurich Airport recorded strong traffic growth in May 2026, welcoming 3.03 million passengers during the month. The figure represents a 9.1% increase compared with May 2025 and highlights the continued strength of travel demand through Switzerland’s largest aviation hub.
The latest results reflect sustained growth across both leisure and business travel markets, with passenger volumes continuing to outpace increases in aircraft movements.
Local And Transfer Traffic Continue To Expand
Of the 3.03 million passengers handled in May, approximately 2.22 million were local travellers beginning or ending their journeys in Zurich. Transfer passengers accounted for around 802,000 travellers, representing 26.5% of total passenger traffic during the month.
The figures underline Zurich Airport’s importance as both a destination gateway and a major European connecting hub, with transfer traffic continuing to play a significant role in overall passenger activity.
Aircraft Movements Rise As Demand Remains Strong
Aircraft movements reached 25,318 take-offs and landings in May, an increase of 5.1% compared with the same period last year. While flight activity expanded steadily, passenger growth remained significantly stronger, reflecting improved aircraft utilisation.
The average number of passengers per flight increased by 3.4% year-on-year to 134.3, demonstrating continued demand across airline networks operating from Zurich.
At the same time, the average seat load factor climbed to 79.7%, representing an increase of 2.8 percentage points compared with May 2025. The higher load factor indicates airlines are filling a greater proportion of available seats, contributing to improved operational efficiency and profitability.
Cargo Volumes Post Modest Growth
Freight operations also delivered positive results during the month. Zurich Airport handled 37,369 tonnes of cargo in May, marking a 1.2% increase compared with the same month last year.
Although cargo growth was more moderate than passenger traffic expansion, the increase reflects continued resilience in air freight demand and supports the airport’s broader role as a key logistics gateway for Switzerland and international markets.
Passenger Growth Outpaces Flight Expansion
The May performance highlights a continuing trend at Zurich Airport, where passenger numbers are rising faster than aircraft movements. As airlines operate fuller aircraft and maintain strong seat occupancy levels, the airport is benefiting from increased efficiency across its network.
With more than three million passengers travelling through the airport during the month and load factors continuing to improve, Zurich Airport remains on a strong growth trajectory as demand for air travel across Europe continues to recover and expand.
