Picture Credits: Swiss International Air Lines
Zurich, Switzerland: Swiss International Air Lines has announced the cancellation of over 1,400 flights between April and October 2025, citing a shortage of trained cockpit crew and limited aircraft availability. The decision affects both European and long-haul routes and comes just as the airline prepares for the busy summer travel season.
One of the most impacted routes is the Zurich–Chicago connection, where the frequency of flights will be halved during September and October. Passengers on other European routes can also expect disruptions, though the airline has not yet released a full list of affected flights.
According to SWISS, the current strain is a result of a mix of operational challenges. Several pilots have taken leave due to unexpected medical and family circumstances, while others are undergoing retraining in preparation for the airline’s upcoming Airbus A350 fleet. The airline admitted that its initial summer schedule was overly ambitious and not reflective of the available resources.
A spokesperson from SWISS said in a statement,
“We regret the inconvenience this will cause our passengers, but the decision ensures we can maintain reliable and safe operations. Safety and operational readiness are non-negotiable.”
Passengers with affected bookings are being contacted directly by the airline and are being offered alternative travel options, including refunds and rebooking through partner carriers. SWISS has also asked travelers to check their flight status regularly and consider booking flexible fares for the coming months.
Industry experts note that this issue is not isolated to SWISS. Airlines across Europe and the U.S. are navigating similar challenges as they work to rebuild operational strength in a post-pandemic market. With increasing passenger demand, pilot availability has become a growing concern for many carriers still catching up from training backlogs and fleet transitions.
Despite the turbulence, SWISS remains optimistic about its future. The airline is preparing to induct ten Airbus A350-900 aircraft into its long-haul fleet starting mid-2025, a move that is expected to enhance efficiency and capacity in the long term.
For now, however, passengers are urged to plan ahead and stay informed as the airline works to stabilize its operations through the remainder of the year.
