Swiss-Austrian agreement on cross-border airport operations suspended for St. Gallen-Altenrhein centenary event
Austria and Switzerland have agreed to temporarily suspend certain noise and flight-operation limits at St. Gallen-Altenrhein airport (on the Swiss-Austrian border) for its 100th anniversary celebration on 28–30 August 2026. The agreement applies only during those three days and expires at the end of 2026.
What changed
An international agreement between Switzerland and Austria governing noise limits and flight operations at St. Gallen-Altenrhein airport has been temporarily modified. For the centenary event (28–30 August 2026), the countries have agreed to exceptions to daily noise limits, permission for Swiss military jet flights, and authorization for aerobatic displays in Austrian airspace that would normally be prohibited.
Who is affected
Residents near St. Gallen-Altenrhein airport, Austrian aviation authorities, and operators of aircraft participating in the centenary event are affected. The agreement primarily concerns the Swiss and Austrian governments' coordination on cross-border aviation matters.
What to look out for
The exceptions apply only to 28–30 August 2026. Low-altitude flights over densely populated areas are still restricted. Noise data from military jets will not be recorded in the official noise statistics; however, all other flight movements during the event will be logged. The agreement expires completely at the end of 2026.