After the European Commission rejected the first version of Switzerland’s performance plan for air traffic control in 2024, the second version is now to undergo a detailed review. This is the recommendation of the responsible European body. This process will take several months.
The revised performance plan of Swiss air navigation service provider Skyguide for reference period 4 (2025-2029) is currently awaiting approval by the European Commission. The Performance Review Body (PRB), the competent European expert body of the European Commission, has now recommended, among other things, that Switzerland’s performance plan be reviewed in detail.
The EU Commission can be guided by the PRB’s recommendation. A detailed analysis does not prejudge a decision for or against a performance plan – this decision will only be made by the European Commission once the review has been completed.
If the performance plan is rejected, the results of the detailed analysis would be incorporated into a further version of the performance plan, which will be drawn up jointly by Skyguide and the Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA). The FOCA represents Switzerland in dealings with the EU Commission.
Each reference period is based on binding performance and cost targets for European air navigation services. The states implement these targets in national performance plans. These also determine the permissible user charges and define the financial framework for the operation and strategic orientation of air navigation services. It is the responsibility of the European Commission to approve the national performance plans.
Skyguide’s services are crucial to Switzerland’s security, its ability to act as a state, its economy and its sovereignty. Reliable financing is therefore essential. Until the EU Commission reaches a final decision, the tariffs defined in Skyguide’s performance plan will remain in force.
Skyguide consistently implements its priorities
Skyguide consistently pursues its priorities in its operations. The company prioritises maximum safety in air traffic, ensures stable capacity and invests specifically in the modernisation of its infrastructure. Skyguide thus fulfils the mandate of the Swiss Confederation and its sovereign tasks in civil and military air traffic control, and bears responsibility for a safety-relevant and system-critical element of Switzerland’s infrastructure.
