Basel EuroAirport (almost) shuts down for six weeks; home ownership in Switzerland dwindles; and more news in our roundup this Wednesday.
Basel EuroAirport (almost) shuts down for several weeks
From today and until May 20th, EuroAirport will be renovating its main runway, causing all but one of its airlines – EasyJet – to cancel their flights during this time.
The low-cost airline will use a shorter secondary runway “and maintain an adjusted selection of flight destinations,” the airport’s management said.
“These flight services will be reduced compared to the regular summer schedule but will continue to ensure connections to key European metropolitan areas as well as to selected leisure and city destinations.”
READ MORE: Basel airport to slash flights in spring 2026 with only one airline to operate
Home ownership in Switzerland dwindles
Only 34 percent of Swiss residents live in their own home, the lowest number of 40 countries analysed by the real estate portal Home24.
Further, the proportion of homeowners continues to fall – down from 38 percent in 2010.
The reason for such a low home ownership rate – especially compared to over 60 percent in France and Germany – is that a higher (than elsewhere) level of Swiss salaries “does not offset land prices,” the analysis reported.
“On the contrary, it is precisely because purchasing power is high that demand for housing in urban areas increases – which drives land prices up even further.”
READ MORE: Why is the price of properties so high in Switzerland?
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Zurich court revokes building license for McDonald’s
As The Local reported on Monday, opponents – including British actress Emma Thompson – have tried to stop the planned construction of a new McDonald’s restaurant in Zurich’s Old Town.
Administrative court judges agreed with the opponents’ view that certain features planned for the restaurant– including visible exhaust chimneys – do not blend well with the neighbourhood’s historic architecture.
A spokesperson for the fast food chain said the company is ”extremely surprised” by the ruling .
It has 30 days to appeal the decision.
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SWISS airline extends suspension of its flights to Dubai
Due to continued conflict in the Middle East, the national airline will not operate flights to or from Dubai until July 11th at the earliest.
Previously, flights had been suspended until May 31st.
“Affected passengers may rebook to a later travel date free of charge or, alternatively, receive a full refund of the ticket price,” the company said.
If you have any questions about life in Switzerland, ideas for articles or news tips for The Local, please get in touch with us at news@thelocal.ch