Our tower (TWR) air traffic controllers monitor taxiing manoeuvres, takeoffs and landings and oversee traffic in the immediate vicinity of the airport, i.e. the control zone (CTR) of approximately 20 km around the airport. The tower air traffic controllers also integrate into the often dense traffic of an airport the small aircraft and helicopters flying according to visual flight rules (VFR).

Approach (APP) air traffic controllers manage the arriving and departing aircraft flying according to instrument flight rules (IFR) within a specific section of the control zone and terminal control area (TMA). This area usually extends up to a distance of around 60 km around the airport. Approach controllers manage on the one hand the traffic climbing to upper airspace airways, and on the other hand the descending traffic that leaves these airways towards the airport. In case of dense traffic, aircraft waiting to land can be directed into holding circuits (holdings).

Our TWR/APP air traffic controllers manage the traffic at Zurich and Geneva international airports, as well as at our regional airports and aerodromes (see national services).