Introduction
Zurich Airport (LSZH) is Switzerland’s main international airport, located north of the city of Zurich at an elevation of 1,417 ft.
It operates a three-runway system consisting of:
• RWY 10 / 28
• RWY 14 / 32
• RWY 16 / 34
Unlike many airports, Zurich does not operate based purely on wind. Runway usage is defined by runway concepts, which change depending on time of day, traffic flow, and noise abatement requirements.
Understanding these concepts is essential for smooth and realistic operations,
especially during busy traffic periods or large Infinite Flight events. If you follow the concepts outlined below, LSZH becomes predictable, efficient, and enjoyable to operate.
Runway Concepts
Daytime
• Arrivals: RWY 14
• Departures:
– RWY 28 → short / medium haul
– RWY 16 → long haul
Morning
• Arrivals: RWY 34
• Departures:
– RWY 32 → primary
– RWY 28 → partially for departures to the west
Evening
• Arrivals: RWY 28
• Departures: RWY 32 (primary)
Departures & Arrivals
Departures – Important Notes
Departures at Zurich do not follow a generic “climb straight ahead” logic. Early turns are normal and expected, depending on the runway in use. Always follow the published routing and avoid improvising turns.
RWY 16 Departures
Departures from RWY 16 perform a very early left turn after takeoff.
Key points:
• Early left turn shortly after liftoff
• Departure path quickly leaves the extended runway centerline
• Special attention required when RWY 14 arrivals are active
RWY 32 Departures
Departures from RWY 32 also include a left- or right-turning departure path.
RWY 32 is primarily used during morning and evening concepts.
Key points:
• Left or right turn after departure
• Used as primary departure runway in morning and evening operations
• Follow the assigned routing closely
RWY 28 Departures
Departures from RWY 28 are more straightforward, especially for short- and medium-haul traffic.
Turns usually occur later compared to RWY 16 and RWY 32, but are still route-dependent.
Key points:
• Common daytime departure runway
• Later turns compared to RWY 16 / RWY 32
• Still follow published routing – no freestyle climbs
Arrivals
Arrivals into Zurich are carefully structured based on the active runway concept.
Key points:
• Expect long finals, especially to RWY 14 and RWY 28
• Do not cut in early unless instructed
• Maintain spacing and follow the approach path
RWY 14 Arrival Note
On RWY 14, usable exits are relatively far down the runway.
Pilot tip:
• Don’t over-brake on touchdown
• Let the aircraft roll
• Plan for a later exit
ATC tip:
• Expect longer runway occupancy times
• Avoid stacking arrivals too tightly
VFR
Zurich uses published VFR routes and reporting points.
In Infinite Flight:
• With ATC → follow instructions
• Without ATC → keep VFR predictable and separated from IFR finals
The standard VFR traffic pattern altitude at Zurich is 2,500 ft, unless otherwise instructed by ATC.
VFR Approach:
VFR Departure:
ATC Safety Note – RWY 14 & RWY 16
When RWY 14 arrivals and RWY 16 departures are active:
• RWY 16 departures turn left early
• A RWY 14 go-around can conflict
ATC should protect missed approaches with proper spacing.
Gates & Terminal Usage
Zurich Airport uses three main passenger docks, each with a clear operational role.
Dock A
• Primarily Schengen traffic
• Short- and medium-haul European flights
• High turnover and dense gate layout
Dock B
• Mixed-use terminal
• Handles both Schengen and non-Schengen flights
• Often used for regional and medium-haul operations
Dock E
• Dedicated non-Schengen terminal
• Long-haul and intercontinental flights
• Accessed via Skymetro
Dock B usage can also be time-dependent. During the early morning, especially when Dock E is heavily used by long-haul departures, arrivals from the UK are often parked at Dock B. Later in the day, UK traffic more commonly uses Dock E again.
This flexible use of Dock B helps balance gate availability during peak periods.
In Infinite Flight, assigning long-haul aircraft to Dock E
and European traffic to Dock A or B results in the most realistic setup.
LSZH is all about concepts, not preferences.
Fly the concept, respect separation, and Zurich works beautifully.
See you over Zurich 
Louis (LFF)
