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Swiss

ICAO: SWR IATA: LX Active as of Feb 1, 2026

Airline Statistics

246

Active Routes

3833

Flight Observations

95

Unique Destinations

112

Origin Airports

1390

Avg Route Distance (mi)

7996

Longest Route (mi)

5

Domestic Routes

95

International Routes

About Swiss

Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS), the flag carrier of Switzerland, officially commenced operations on March 31, 2002, rising from the bankruptcy of Switzerland's former flag carrier, Swissair. The new airline was built around Crossair, Swissair's regional subsidiary, and subsequently adopted Crossair's IATA code LX while retaining Swissair's ICAO code SWR to preserve international traffic rights. Since its formation, SWISS has been a subsidiary of the Lufthansa Group and joined the Star Alliance in 2006.

SWISS operates a hub system with its main hub at Zurich Airport (ZRH) and a secondary hub at Geneva Airport (GVA). From these bases, the airline serves over 100 destinations in more than 40 countries across Europe, North America, South America, Africa, and Asia, offering both domestic and extensive international services.

As of November 2023, SWISS operates a fleet of around 90-112 aircraft, featuring a mix of Airbus and Boeing models. Its long-haul fleet includes Airbus A330-300s, Airbus A340-300s, and Boeing 777-300ERs. The short-haul and medium-haul fleet consists of Airbus A220-100s, Airbus A220-300s, Airbus A319s, Airbus A320s (ceo and neo variants), and Airbus A321s (ceo and neo variants). Starting in 2025, SWISS will gradually introduce ten brand-new Airbus A350-900 aircraft to its long-haul fleet. SWISS is also committed to providing a comfortable and safe travel experience, with aircraft equipped with modern amenities like in-flight entertainment and Wi-Fi. The airline offers various cabin classes including SWISS First, SWISS Business, SWISS Premium Economy, and SWISS Economy. Notable services include the "SWISS Senses" cabin concept, which will debut on the new Airbus A350s starting January 2026, offering enhanced comfort and privacy with features like sliding doors in First and Business Class, advanced entertainment systems, and personalized temperature control.

Traveler Reviews

Traveler reviews for Swiss International Air Lines present a mixed, though often critical, picture.

What Travelers Love:

  • Modern Aircraft and Comfort: Many passengers appreciate the modern aircraft and the comfortable seating, particularly in newer cabin configurations or specific classes like Business Class, where some highlight "fabulous food and a old wine selection" and "nice light cabins". The introduction of new cabin concepts like "SWISS Senses" also aims to enhance comfort and privacy.
  • Direct Flights and Hub Connectivity: SWISS is often seen as a good option for direct or short flights within Europe from Zurich and for connections through its Zurich hub. Its comprehensive network connecting Switzerland to major international destinations is also valued.
  • Premium Class Amenities: The airline's premium offerings, especially the SWISS First Class Lounge at Zurich Airport Terminal E, have received high praise, winning awards for its luxurious amenities including hotel rooms, mini-suites, a champagne bar, a five-star à la carte restaurant, and a terrace with airport views.

Common Complaints:

  • Poor Customer Service: A recurring theme in complaints is negative experiences with customer service, both at the airport and through other channels. Travelers report staff being "unfriendly and unwilling to listen or help", "rude", and "incompetent". Issues include tickets being suspended or deleted without notification, difficulty resolving baggage issues, and lack of accommodation for flight changes.
  • Flight Delays and Missed Connections: Numerous reviews cite frequent flight delays and issues with missed connecting flights, with passengers reporting insufficient time between connections and a lack of assistance or compensation from the airline.
  • Baggage Issues and Fees: Passengers frequently complain about lost baggage, delayed baggage, high baggage fees, and restrictive carry-on policies, sometimes leading to unexpected charges or the refusal to allow bags onboard. Problems with sports baggage purchases and refunds have also been noted.

Overall Sentiment Summary:

The overall sentiment from recent traveler reviews is largely negative, particularly concerning customer service and operational inconsistencies like delays and baggage handling. While SWISS is praised for its modern fleet and premium lounges, these positive aspects are often overshadowed by frustrations with service quality and perceived lack of support during travel disruptions.

Safety Information

Swiss International Air Lines maintains a strong safety record and is generally considered a safe airline to fly with.

  • Recent Safety Record and Incidents: SWISS has not suffered any fatal accidents within the last 10 years. Its safety record has been consistently high, with notable incidents being relatively rare. While its predecessor, Swissair, was involved in several fatal accidents prior to its bankruptcy in 22, SWISS itself has maintained an excellent safety profile since its formation. Minor incidents reported by AeroInside include uncontained engine failures, smoke on board, attitude sensor problems, rejected takeoffs, and lightning strikes, but none resulted in fatalities.
  • Regulatory Certifications: SWISS is IOSA (IATA Operational Safety Audit) certified, which is a globally recognized benchmark for safety management in airlines. The airline undergoes evaluation every two years. Additionally, SWISS is regulated by The Swiss Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA), which has exceptionally good ICAO Safety Audit results. SWISS is also not blacklisted in the European Union or the United States.
  • Fleet Age and Maintenance Reputation: SWISS operates a modern aircraft fleet. As of 2022-2023, the average age of its fleet components ranges, with some Airbus A320ceos nearing 22 years old and newer Airbus A320/A321neos and Boeing 777-300ERs being much younger (average age around 2.2 to 6 years). The average fleet age is around 10 years, which is typical for a major international airline. SWISS is part of the Lufthansa Group, known for its rigorous maintenance standards.
  • Overall Safety Assessment: Based on available data, SWISS receives a high safety assessment, earning a 7/7 safety rating on AirlineRatings.com. Its adherence to international safety protocols, IOSA certification, robust regulation by FOCA, and absence of fatal accidents in its operational history contribute to its reputation as a very safe airline.
  • Safety Awards or Recognitions: While not directly safety awards, SWISS's membership in the Star Alliance is a significant stamp of approval for its operational and safety approach. The airline's consistent recognition for its premium offerings, such as "Europe's Best Airline for First and Business Class" at the World Travel Awards and "World's Best First Class Airline Lounge" by Skytrax, indirectly reflects a commitment to high standards across its operations, which often correlate with safety.
Compiled by AirportRoutes.com • Updated 2 months ago

Route Network Map

Click on any airport to see its routes

Most Popular Routes

195 flights
BCS3
119 flights
BCS1
LHR → ZRH
London Heathrow Airport → Zurich (Kloten)
490 miles
115 flights
A21N
100 flights
BCS1
ARN → ZRH
Stockholm-Arlanda Airport → Zurich (Kloten)
925 miles
89 flights
A20N
88 flights
BCS3
83 flights
BCS3
ZRH → LHR
Zürich Airport → London Heathrow
490 miles
74 flights
A21N
69 flights
A321
BDS → ZRH
Brindisi Airport → Zurich (Kloten)
662 miles
68 flights
BCS3

Top Destinations

ZRH (LSZH)
Zurich (Kloten)
Zurich
2047 flights
100 routes
GVA (LSGG)
Geneva Cointrin Int'l
Geneva
290 flights
30 routes
LHR (EGLL)
London Heathrow
London
174 flights
2 routes
FRA (EDDF)
Frankfurt Int'l
Frankfurt am Main
117 flights
2 routes
OPO (LPPR)
Porto / Oporto
Francisco Sa Carneiro Int.
103 flights
2 routes
MUC (EDDM)
Munich Int'l
Munich
96 flights
2 routes
BRU (EBBR)
Brussels
Brussels
73 flights
2 routes
ATH (LGAV)
Athens Int'l, Eleftherios Venizelos
Athens
48 flights
3 routes
MAN (EGCC)
Manchester
Manchester
47 flights
1 route
AGP (LEMG)
Malaga
Malaga
40 flights
2 routes

Top Origin Airports

ZRH (LSZH)
Zürich Airport
Zurich
928 flights
84 routes
GVA (LSGG)
Geneva Cointrin International Airport
Geneva
804 flights
30 routes
LHR (EGLL)
London Heathrow Airport
London
136 flights
2 routes
LJU (LJLJ)
Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport
Zgornji Brnik
119 flights
1 route
ARN (ESSA)
Stockholm-Arlanda Airport
Stockholm
92 flights
2 routes
ATH (LGAV)
Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport
Spata-Artemida
72 flights
2 routes
VLC (LEVC)
Valencia Airport
Valencia
71 flights
2 routes
BCN (LEBL)
Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport
Barcelona
69 flights
1 route
BDS (LIBR)
Brindisi Airport
Brindisi
68 flights
1 route
HAM (EDDH)
Hamburg Helmut Schmidt Airport
Hamburg
62 flights
2 routes

Top Border Crossing Flights

ZRH (LSZH)
Zürich Airport
Zurich, CH
2047 flights
100 routes
GVA (LSGG)
Geneva Cointrin International Airport
Geneva, CH
290 flights
30 routes
LHR (EGLL)
London Heathrow Airport
London, GB
174 flights
2 routes
FRA (EDDF)
Frankfurt Airport
Frankfurt am Main, DE
117 flights
2 routes
OPO (LPPR)
Francisco de Sá Carneiro Airport
Francisco Sa Carneiro Int., PT
103 flights
2 routes
MUC (EDDM)
Munich Airport
Munich, DE
96 flights
2 routes
BRU (EBBR)
Brussels Airport
Brussels, BE
73 flights
2 routes
ATH (LGAV)
Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport
Athens, GR
48 flights
3 routes

Longest Routes

NRT → ZRH
Narita International Airport → Zurich (Kloten)
7996 mi
SIN → ZRH
Singapore Changi Airport → Zurich (Kloten)
6410 mi
ZRH → SIN
Zürich Airport → Singapore Changi
6410 mi
SFO → ZRH
San Francisco International Airport → Zurich (Kloten)
6233 mi
ZRH → LAX
Zürich Airport → Los Angeles Intl
5979 mi

Shortest Routes

ZRH → STR
Zürich Airport → Stuttgart Echterdingen
90 mi
STR → ZRH
Stuttgart Airport → Zurich (Kloten)
90 mi
MXP → ZRH
Milan Malpensa International Airport → Zurich (Kloten)
127 mi
ZRH → MXP
Zürich Airport → Malpensa Int'l
127 mi
GVA → ZRH
Geneva Cointrin International Airport → Zurich (Kloten)
143 mi

All Routes

246 Total Routes
Showing 25 most popular routes
Route Destination Flights Distance Aircraft Last Seen
GVA → ZRH Zurich (Kloten)
Zurich
195 143 mi BCS3 Feb 1, 2026
LJU → ZRH Zurich (Kloten)
Zurich
119 292 mi BCS1 Feb 1, 2026
LHR → ZRH Zurich (Kloten)
Zurich
115 490 mi A21N Jan 30, 2026
GVA → LHR London Heathrow
London
100 469 mi BCS1 Jan 29, 2026
ARN → ZRH Zurich (Kloten)
Zurich
89 925 mi A20N Jan 30, 2026
GVA → FRA Frankfurt Int'l
Frankfurt am Main
88 285 mi BCS3 Oct 23, 2025
GVA → MUC Munich Int'l
Munich
83 304 mi BCS3 Oct 24, 2025
ZRH → LHR London Heathrow
London
74 490 mi A21N Jan 30, 2026
BCN → ZRH Zurich (Kloten)
Zurich
69 533 mi A321 Jan 25, 2026
BDS → ZRH Zurich (Kloten)
Zurich
68 662 mi BCS3 Jan 30, 2026
GVA → BRU Brussels
Brussels
66 331 mi BCS3 Feb 1, 2026
VLC → ZRH Zurich (Kloten)
Zurich
58 713 mi BCS3 Jan 10, 2026
HAM → ZRH Zurich (Kloten)
Zurich
56 431 mi BCS3 Jan 31, 2026
ZRH → OPO Porto / Oporto
Francisco Sa Carneiro Int.
55 952 mi A20N Jan 25, 2026
ATH → ZRH Zurich (Kloten)
Zurich
53 1020 mi A20N Jan 15, 2026
ZRH → GVA Geneva Cointrin Int'l
Geneva
52 143 mi BCS3 Jan 25, 2026
LIS → ZRH Zurich (Kloten)
Zurich
50 1072 mi A21N Jan 26, 2026
FLR → ZRH Zurich (Kloten)
Zurich
48 284 mi BCS1 Feb 1, 2026
GVA → OPO Porto / Oporto
Francisco Sa Carneiro Int.
48 814 mi BCS1 Jan 29, 2026
ZRH → MAN Manchester
Manchester
47 626 mi A320 Jan 28, 2026
BUD → ZRH Zurich (Kloten)
Zurich
44 500 mi BCS3 Feb 1, 2026
VCE → ZRH Zurich (Kloten)
Zurich
44 226 mi BCS1 Feb 1, 2026
OPO → ZRH Zurich (Kloten)
Zurich
40 952 mi A321 Jan 21, 2026
CPH → ZRH Zurich (Kloten)
Zurich
39 591 mi BCS3 Feb 1, 2026
ZRH → AMS Amsterdam Schiphol
Amsterdam
36 375 mi A20N Feb 1, 2026
Data Information:

Airline statistics are based on flight route observations collected from FlightAware AeroAPI and other sources. Flight counts represent observed operations, not scheduled frequencies. Route data is continuously updated as new flight information becomes available.

Data Freshness: Real-time
Last Update: Feb 1, 2026 18:06
Coverage: Observed routes only