Geneva, 19 May 2026 – Skyguide is reviewing a potential reduction of up to 220 positions by the end of 2027 and has launched a consultation process for this purpose. The aim is to secure financial stability and ensure the long-term safe operation of air navigation services. The measures have not yet been defined in detail.
Skyguide needs to review structural adjustments in order to strengthen the company’s financial and organisational stability and has therefore launched a consultation process. Based on the current assessment, Skyguide anticipates up to 220 potential redundancies by the end of 2027. Employees in Dübendorf and Geneva could be affected, while operational air traffic controllers are not in scope of these potential redundancies.
The potential reduction would take place in two phases. In a first phase, from September to November 2026, up to 90 employees could be affected. In a second phase, between May and June 2027, up to a further 130 positions could be reduced.
Safety and business continuity are ensured
The reason for these measures is growing economic pressure, rising personnel and system costs, uncertain revenues, European efficiency targets, and complex internal structures. Personnel costs amounted to around CHF 382 million in 2025, out of total expenditure of CHF 576 million.
Skyguide therefore considers structural measures necessary to secure financial stability and long-term sustainability. It aims to increase efficiency, reduce complexity and focus its resources more strongly on its core mandate: the safe, efficient and reliable provision of air navigation services.
Operations will remain fully ensured throughout this process. Safety and business continuity are non-negotiable for Swiss air navigation services.
Close cooperation with social partners
As part of the consultation process, Skyguide is now working closely with social partners and employee representatives to review all possible measures to avoid or reduce redundancies. These include reducing hiring, early retirement options, internal mobility, and a lower reliance on external staff.
Skyguide is aware of its social responsibility and aims to minimise the impact on employees and mitigate the social consequences as much as possible. At the same time, it is essential for Skyguide to retain key capabilities and critical staff to ensure operations, continued development, and fulfilment of its mandate.
Consultation process runs until mid-June
Skyguide launched the consultation process on 19 May 2026. It will run for 30 days. Employees, employee representatives and trade unions can submit proposals until 18 June 2026 to avoid redundancies or mitigate their impact. The company will then decide on the next steps.