Aerial view shows how Zurich Airport's runway system is one of Europe’s most complex feats of design
Published on Nov 06, 2025 at 11:01 PM (UTC+4)
by Keelin McNamara
Last updated on Nov 06, 2025 at 6:34 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Amelia Jean Hershman-Jones
A breathtaking pilot’s POV has revealed Zurich Airport’s runway system – and it’s clear why it’s touted as one of Europe’s most complex feats of design.
Most people don’t realise, or even consider, how complex most runway designs actually are.
But an aerial view of Zurich Airport’s runway has shown just how complex it actually is.
Trust us – we would not want to be responsible for managing it.
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Zurich Airport’s runway design goes viral
Zurich Airport is one of the more unique travel hubs in Europe.
It isn’t necessarily among the busiest, as it tends to rank towards the bottom of the top 15 in terms of passenger numbers.
But it is widely considered to be among the best for facilities and management.
Arguably, the biggest component of managing any airport is, of course, the runway.
Air Traffic Control has to manage the constant flow of aircraft coming in alongside aircraft seeking to take off.
But Zurich Airport’s runway system might just be among the hardest to manage.
The story behind this discussion comes courtesy of a viral aerial view of Zurich Airport’s runway.
This photo, posted in the aviation subreddit, was posted by Marzolino85.
And it showcases one of the most complicated designs you will ever see.
“Climbing out of Zurich (ZRH) after departure — always impressive to see how the intersecting runways shape every operation,” the caption reads.
“Add in noise abatement procedures and political constraints, and you get one of Europe’s most intricate and fascinating airfields to manage”.
Does the complex design actually work?
Naturally, such a post sparked a lot of lively discussion and debate among enthusiasts.
“To design RWY 32-14 NOT parallel to RWY 34-16, is definitely one of the decisions of all time”, one comment humorously pointed out.
“I am based in ZRH, and with strong easterly winds (bise), the capacity really drops to almost nothing…”, another added.
A third comment praised Zurich Airport’s runway system for how efficient it actually is.
“Complex but one of the most efficient airports in Europe. Slots can be annoying, but the system works.”
One of the most interesting comments explained the reasoning behind the complex design itself.
“It‘s further complicated by the complex noise regulations since aircraft can‘t go directly over the southern city of Zurich and can‘t land from the north on German holidays and during morning/night hours, for example,” the comment said.
“Also some underpowered aircraft can‘t take off to the west due to mountains.”
We have to admit – managing Zurich Airport’s runway system sounds like a real headache.
Keelin McNamara is a content writer at Supercar Blondie from Ireland, covering cars, technology, and lifestyle. Despite being a Law graduate, he discovered his passion for journalism during the COVID-19 pandemic, and has worked in the industry ever since. Outside of work, he is an avid MotoGP fan, and is a self-confessed addict of the sport.
