The Zurich Airport observation deck is one of only a handful of public viewing terraces at major international airports in Europe. And, in my view, it’s one of the best. Officially known as “Observation Deck B” or “Zuschauerterasse” it’s situated on top of one of the piers of Zurich airport’s Terminal B with an entrance next to check-in area 2.
Entrance is CHF5 for adults, but if you have a boarding pass for a flight the same day entry is free. It is also free for children under 10, with those aged 10-16 paying CHF2. For what you get I think this is excellent value.
Terminals A and B handle most short haul departures from Zurich along with some long-haul routes by Edelweiss. All these movements are easily observable from Deck B and the majority pass within easy range for photographs. Runway 16/34, the main departure runway for long haul flights passes directly in front of Deck B.
Zurich Airport holds another little surprise up its sleeve for aviation enthusiasts – Observation Deck E. This terrace is situated atop Terminal E, which handles most long-haul departures. It is a satellite terminal and normally only reachable by passengers airside. But, during summer months (April to October) it is accessible via a free shuttle bus on Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.
At other times, Deck E is accessible to passengers in Terminal E who are airside. Just a valid boarding pass is needed. If you are lucky enough to have access to Swiss International Air Lines lounges, then each has its own terrace area. First class passengers on Swiss can even enjoy alfresco dining on the terrace.
Widebody movements, including Swiss Airbus A330 and A340 and Boeing 777 use Terminal E and can be seen and photographed in close proximity. Airbus A380 operations by Emirates and Singapore Airlines also use the terminal. Runway 10/28, the main departure runway for short-haul flights, passes in front of Deck E, though photographers should note they will be facing South.
Photographs which follow were taken on a visit to Deck B in Summer 2018 and give a sample of what aircraft can be seen. Do you have a favourite current airline or aircraft at Zurich? Please comment below. Perhaps you remember past days of Swissair Douglas DC-8s, Caravelles and Convair 990s. Again, tell us what it was like below with all those turbojets roaring away.
EDELWEISS AIR
Edelweiss Air is a subsidiary of Swiss International Airlines and operates a fleet of nine Airbus A320s and a handful of Airbus A330 and A340 travelling to mostly leisure destinations in Europe and intercontinentally (is that a word? It is now…)
Edelweiss is the unofficial national flower of Switzerland and adorns the airlines’ planes as part of their red and white livery which contrasts with their parent company’s modern, minimalist paint scheme.
SWISS INTERNATIONAL AIR LINES
Zurich Airport is Swiss International Air Lines primary hub, particularly for long-haul operations. Its full range of aircraft types can be seen here. The fleet is dominated by Airbus products – A320 family, A330 and A340 – but Swiss has taken delivery of 10 Boeing 777s for its intercontinental routes. It was also the launch customer for the Bombardier C Series, which must now learn to call the Airbus A220 since the European conglomerate took a controlling stake in the C Series program.
As you’d expect for a major international airline, a wide range of models of the Swiss fleet is available in a variety of sizes and types. The links below are just a selection of what’s available from the likes of Herpa Wings and Gemini Jets.
HELVETIC AIRWAYS
This small airline, based at Zurich, has a fleet of Embraer 190s and Fokker 100s that it operates mainly to leisure destinations. It also operates some wet lease flights on behalf of Lufthansa and Swiss.
Models of Helvetic Airways Embraers seem impossible to source, if anyone knows different please comment below. Their Fokker 100s have been around longer and models are available from the Herpa Wings range.
OTHER AIRLINES AT ZURICH
So much for the Swiss carriers, Zurich Airport also features flights from most major European airlines and some further afield to link this major banking city to the rest of the world.
AIR SERBIA
Air Serbia flies daily from Zurich to Belgrade’s Nikola Tesla airport with its Airbus family of airliners. Models of their A319 fleet are rare but this 1:50 scale display model is available.
FINNAIR
This Finnair Airbus A321 connects Zurich with the Oneworld alliance member’s hub at Helsinki Vantaa airport. Gemini Jets produce a 1:400 scale model of this aircraft.
EASYJET
Low cost carrier Easyjet can be seen all over Europe and Zurich is no exception. Models of its orange and white Airbus fleet are not as easy to come by as you’d think but a limited edition double set by Premier Planes is still available.
UNITED AIRLINES
Swiss’ fellow Star Alliance member United operates its Boeing 787 aircraft to Newark, San Francisco and Washington Dulles.
KLM ROYAL DUTCH AIRLINES
KLM’s Boeing 737-700 fleet is being gradually retired to be replaced by newer 737-800s. Pictured is PH-BGK, a 700 series originally ordered by Transavia. Models of all three series, including the 737-900, are available in a variety of model formats.
IBERIA
Shown above is an Airbus A319 from Madrid-based Iberia’s fleet. Models are available in both standard livery and Iberia’s retro scheme.
AIR CANADA
Air Canada links Zurich with Toronto and Vancouver with its Boeing 777.
AMERICAN AIRLINES
I’ll say it again, I like American’s ‘new’ colour scheme. Here, one of it’s Boeing 767s takes off from Zurich bound for Philadelphia.
GERMANWINGS
Germanwings has been being gradually absorbed by Eurowings since 2015 but aircraft in its own livery can still be seen, like this Airbus A319 at Zurich. Models in this livery are still available too.
ETIHAD AIRWAYS
The so-called ‘ME3’ are seen at most major airports worldwide now and Zurich is no exception as this Etihad Boeing 787-9 shows.
AEROFLOT
No one seems to have made a model of this Aeroflot A320 in CSKA Moscow special livery, which is a pity. However, other Aeroflot A320 models are available.
GERMANIA
It’s not obvious from the name but Germania is a Swiss leisure airline based at Zurich operating to holiday destinations such as Corfu, Tenerife and Zakynthos. Less obvious destinations include Tirana, Albania and Beirut, Lebanon. They have just three aircraft including this Airbus A319.
