Is my flight legal in Switzerland?
A paid flight in Switzerland must be flown by an operator certified by the Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA; BAZL in German, OFAC in French), holding an air operator certificate and an operating licence. FOCA publishes the lists.
- Regulator
- FOCA (BAZL / OFAC)
- Operator needs
- AOC and operating licence
- Aeroplane AOC list
- 10 June 2026
- Helicopter list
- File dated 28 July 2026
What makes a charter flight legal
Ask who the operator is and check that company on FOCA's published lists of AOC holders. FOCA says operators that carry passengers commercially must be certified by it and need both an air operator certificate (AOC) and an operating licence. Foreign airlines need a FOCA operating permit, and airlines the EU classes as unsafe may not fly to Switzerland.
The company selling you a flight and the company flying it are often different. What matters is the operator: the holder of the certificate under which the aircraft and crew fly.
FOCA certifies operators that want to carry passengers, mail or cargo commercially, then reviews every later change to the fleet, staff, procedures and documents, approving some in advance. It also checks that each operator remains financially able to operate, both when the licence is granted and while it is held.
Every flight we arrange is flown by an operator named on your quote. Read how we choose them on our operators and our safety page.
Sources:FOCA (BAZL/OFAC): air operator certificates and the lists of AOC holders, aeroplanes (10 June 2026) and helicopter operators (file dated 28 July 2026)FOCA (BAZL): commercial air transport, AOC and operating licence (German)FOCA (BAZL): airlines banned from landing in Switzerland, EU Air Safety List (German)
What a commercial operator needs
| Requirement | What it covers | Issued by |
|---|---|---|
| Air operator certificate (AOC) | Certification to carry passengers, mail or cargo commercially. For complex aircraft, the initial certificate follows the ICAO five-step model. | FOCA |
| Operating licence | Needed for the commercial carriage of people and goods. It requires a Swiss AOC and proof of economic viability, under Article 4 of Regulation (EC) No 1008/2008. | FOCA |
| Ongoing oversight | Changes to fleet, staff, procedures and documents are reviewed; some need approval in advance. Economic capability is checked while the licence is held. | FOCA |
| Foreign airline | An operating permit, usually valid for five years, based on ICAO standards and effective oversight by the airline's home state. | FOCA |
Sources:FOCA (BAZL/OFAC): air operator certificates and the lists of AOC holders, aeroplanes (10 June 2026) and helicopter operators (file dated 28 July 2026)FOCA (BAZL): commercial air transport, AOC and operating licence (German)FOCA (BAZL): airlines banned from landing in Switzerland, EU Air Safety List (German)
Tell us the dates and passengers. A specialist replies with aircraft options and an all-in price, around the clock.
How to check an operator
- 01Get the operator's name
Ask for the full company name of the operator, not only the seller's brand. On our quotes the operator is named.
- 02Ask for the AOC number
Each Swiss operator on our [[operator list|/en-ch/operators/]] is shown with its FOCA AOC number, such as CH.AOC.1010.
- 03Check FOCA's lists
FOCA's AOC page at bazl.admin.ch publishes a list of AOC holders for aeroplanes, dated 10 June 2026, and a list of the helicopter operators it oversees. Search for the full company name.
- 04Check a foreign operator
Switzerland has adopted the EU Air Safety List and takes part in updating it. Airlines the EU classes as unsafe may not fly to Switzerland.
Sources:FOCA (BAZL/OFAC): air operator certificates and the lists of AOC holders, aeroplanes (10 June 2026) and helicopter operators (file dated 28 July 2026)FOCA (BAZL): airlines banned from landing in Switzerland, EU Air Safety List (German)
Where a broker fits
We act as a broker: we arrange the flight and contract a certified operator to fly it. FOCA's published pages on AOCs and commercial air transport set requirements for operators; they do not address brokers. The operator's certificate and licence are what the flight depends on.
Our broker disclosure explains our role, and how we work as a broker sets out what we do for you. To see the operators on our list, read private jet companies in Switzerland.
Sources:FOCA (BAZL/OFAC): air operator certificates and the lists of AOC holders, aeroplanes (10 June 2026) and helicopter operators (file dated 28 July 2026)FOCA (BAZL): commercial air transport, AOC and operating licence (German)
Questions, answered
Still deciding? A charter specialist will talk you through aircraft, airports and price, with no obligation.
Ask a specialistWho regulates charter flights in Switzerland?+
The Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA), known as BAZL in German and OFAC in French. It certifies commercial operators and oversees them after certification.
What does a Swiss charter operator need?+
An air operator certificate (AOC) and an operating licence, both from FOCA. The licence requires a Swiss AOC and proof of economic viability.
Can a foreign airline fly me to Switzerland?+
Foreign airlines need a FOCA operating permit, usually valid for five years. Airlines on the EU Air Safety List may not fly to Switzerland.
Where can I see FOCA's list of AOC holders?+
On FOCA's AOC page at bazl.admin.ch: a list of aeroplane AOC holders dated 10 June 2026 and a list of the helicopter operators FOCA oversees.
Is a broker the same as an operator?+
No. A broker arranges the flight; the operator holds the AOC and flies it. Your quote should name the operator.
Fares, dates and rules on this page were checked on 19 October 2026. Official fares and schedules change every season; the operator or authority named in each source has the final word.
- 1.FOCA (BAZL/OFAC): air operator certificates and the lists of AOC holders, aeroplanes (10 June 2026) and helicopter operators (file dated 28 July 2026)
- 2.FOCA (BAZL): commercial air transport, AOC and operating licence (German)
- 3.FOCA (BAZL): airlines banned from landing in Switzerland, EU Air Safety List (German)
Certified operators, named on every quote.
A specialist replies around the clock with aircraft options, the operator's name and an all-in price.