EU/Switzerland Air Transport Committee replaces Annex to Air Transport Agreement (effective 1 July 2026)
EU and Swiss air carriers must operate under the replaced Annex's adapted EU regulatory references for bilateral services from 1 July 2026
Change
On 15 June 2026 the Joint EU/Switzerland Air Transport Committee replaced the Annex to the Agreement between the European Union and the Swiss Confederation on Air Transport; the new Annex applies from 1 July 2026.
Why it matters
The Annex extends and adapts specific EU aviation regulations, regulatory references and Agency powers to Switzerland for the purposes of the Agreement, creating a single set of references that applies to bilateral operations. The Decision also confirms Commission and Agency audit, inspection and enforcement rights and makes certain decisions enforceable in Switzerland, imposing a legal obligation on carriers and competent authorities to align licences, certifications, slot and operational procedures with the Annex from 1 July 2026.
Implications
- — EU and Swiss air carriers must update operational manuals, certifications and commercial arrangements that rely on the Annex to conform to the replaced Annex by 1 July 2026 — failure exposes carriers to enforcement or administrative measures under the Agreement and applicable EU rules.
- — EU Member State competent aviation authorities and Swiss competent aviation authorities must apply the Annex's adaptations when exercising oversight, licensing and certification for cross‑border services from 1 July 2026 — failure leaves oversight and certification inconsistent with the bilateral Agreement and enables Commission/Agency audits and enforcement provided for in the Decision.
- — Airport slot coordinators and airport operators must include the Annex's added aerodrome points (for example, Geneva and Zürich Kloten) in slot allocation and scheduling procedures from 1 July 2026 — failure will produce allocations and scheduling that are not aligned with the Annex's reference to Union slot rules.
Who is affected
- — EU and Swiss air carriers operating bilateral services
- — EU Member State competent aviation authorities and Swiss competent aviation authorities
- — Airport slot coordinators and airport operators
What to watch
- — Effective: 1 July 2026 — the replaced Annex applies from this date and its regulatory adaptations and listed additions take effect.