CORONAVIRUS – EUROAIRPORT INFORMATION 21 March 2020

Current travel restrictions at the border triangle
EuroAirport is still in operation, but travel is severely restricted by the measures taken by state authorities to contain the further spread of the coronavirus. Nevertheless, the airport will remain open for cargo flights, transporting vital goods in and out of our region, as well as for medical or other important flights.

Since border controls were reintroduced at the external Schengen borders at 9 am on 19 March 2020, all non-Schengen citizens have been checked on arrival at EuroAirport. Entry into France is still possible for EU nationals, nationals of other Schengen states such as Switzerland, and for persons resident in these states.

In addition, Switzerland has introduced border controls with all neighbouring countries. Entry into Switzerland is prohibited except to Swiss nationals, persons holding a residence permit for Switzerland, cross-border workers, persons travelling to Switzerland for work-related reasons, and persons in transit.

Germany has been conducting controls at its borders with Switzerland, France and other neighbouring countries since 16 March 2020. Here too, only persons with German citizenship or residence permits, cross-border workers and persons with a valid reason may enter the country.

Please consult the websites of the competent state authorities for further information.


Consequences for airport operations
Since the beginning of March 2020, the number of passengers using EuroAirport has dropped dramatically, however. Airlines have been adjusting their flight schedules and cancelling frequencies in line with falling demand or decisions by state authorities. Furthermore, passengers themselves are deciding not to fly.

In addition, since 17 March 2020, France has applied stricter measures. The population has been instructed to stay at home. Wherever airport operations and the nature of the work allow, employees are teleworking from home.

Following the enhanced measures against the coronavirus introduced by France on 14 March 2020, airport restaurants and shops have remained closed. With very few exceptions, take-aways and tobacco and newspaper shops at EuroAirport have also been closed since 19 March 2020. 


Existing measures
Airport management is carefully monitoring the situation and maintaining close contact with the Swiss and the French health authorities (BAG and ARS respectively). The protection of airport users and employees has top priority. The protective measures prescribed by the competent authorities are implemented in accordance with official instructions and continuously adapted to the evolving situation.

Since 10 March 2020, there has been an in-house task force grouping all important airport operations departments. Moreover, there are regular meetings at the airport with all significant partners and companies. The current situation is thus constantly monitored, measures are jointly evaluated, adapted as necessary, and coordinated with the competent authorities

In order to create awareness, travelers are informed about the symptoms of the disease, steps to be taken and recommendations of the public health authorities through flyers, posters and on-screen displays. Since the end of February, incoming passengers have been informed about the enhanced measures through the public address system in the arrival halls.

In addition, since the beginning of March, hygiene measures have been increased. Cleaning shifts have been reinforced. Surfaces and areas exposed to heavy use, such as escalators, lift buttons, door handles and toilets are cleaned and disinfected more frequently.