SWITZERLAND. Zürich Airport commercial turnover (sales to consumers from retail and food & beverage) hit CHF38.9 million (US$40 million), a marginal rise of +0.5% year-on-year. Airside sales dipped by -0.1% while landside sales grew by +1.1% compared to a year ago.
As reported, sales to international consumers were hit hard throughout last year by the surge in value of the Swiss Franc against the Euro in January 2015, when the Swiss government removed the cap on its currency. January is the first month against which like-for-like comparisons can be made with the stronger Swiss Franc.
Spend per departing passenger was CHF43.10 (US$44.40), down by -2.7% on January 2015 (airside -3.2%, landside -2.1%).
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The airport handled 1,806,820 passengers in January (+3.3% compared to the previous year). Local passengers increased by +5.5% and transfer passengers decreased by -1.8%. The transfer rate, which was 31.1% last January, stood at 29.6% in the month under review.
Traffic to and from European destinations climbed by +2.9%, while long-haul (intercontinental) traffic posted a +4.1% rise. This was aided by a +12.1% leap in Asian traffic and a +7.6% surge in Middle East traffic. North American traffic dipped by -2.1% in the month.
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F&B and retail spending at the airport was hit last year by the sharp increase in the Swiss Franc’s value against the Euro |
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