Swiss air-navigation provider Skyguide reduced capacity across Swiss airspace by 50% on Tuesday, 20 October, after a malfunction affected the system that generates the radar display used by air-traffic controllers. Takeoffs and landings at Zurich and Geneva airports were briefly suspended before resuming, but airlines and passengers remained exposed to delays while Skyguide worked to restore normal operations.
The restriction was introduced as a precautionary measure after the radar-display system fault disrupted traffic-management operations. Skyguide stated that safety in Swiss airspace remained guaranteed, while the reduced capacity could affect flight sequencing and generate delays across airline networks using Switzerland’s two largest airports.
Skyguide activated a crisis team to resolve the malfunction and limit its effect on traffic. The air-navigation provider reported no current indications of a cyberattack. The precise technical root cause, the number of delayed or cancelled flights and the timing of a return to full capacity were not immediately available.