EU and Switzerland replace the Annex to their 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 EU–Switzerland Air Transport Agreement, updating the list of EU aviation laws that apply to Switzerland under the Agreement — bringing in newer EU regulations and EASA rules and adapting their references to Switzerland; the new Annex applies from 1 July 2026.
Why it matters
The Annex is the list of EU aviation laws Switzerland must apply under the bilateral agreement, the mechanism that keeps Swiss aviation rules aligned with the EU regime so EU and Swiss carriers operate under one rulebook. Replacing it updates that list to current EU law — extending and adapting newer EU regulations, regulatory references and EASA powers to Switzerland. 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.