The inaugural SWISS Bristol to Zurich service commenced on Saturday, February 4.

It is a route which will provide greater opportunities for business travellers to trade in one of the world’s leading financial centres as well as providing multiple connections for leisure travellers.

A vast, multi-hub connectivity means customers from the South West and Wales will be able to fly from their local airport to Zurich and a now increased number of long-haul destinations.

On the first flights, customers flying from Bristol to Zurich enjoyed Swiss chocolates, whilst those arriving from Zurich were presented with goody bags from Visit West which included treats and information to showcase the local area.

Shaun Browne, head of airline relations at Bristol Airport, said: “This is an incredibly exciting day for Bristol Airport and the region.

“SWISS is a major global airline and this decision shows confidence in the region.”

North Somerset Times: (from left to right) SWISS flight crew joining Kathryn Davis (Visit West), Shaun Browne (Bristol Airport) and Susannah Rainsborough (Lufthansa Group) to welcome the first passengers on the flights(from left to right) SWISS flight crew joining Kathryn Davis (Visit West), Shaun Browne (Bristol Airport) and Susannah Rainsborough (Lufthansa Group) to welcome the first passengers on the flights (Image: SWISS)

Kathryn Davis, Managing Director of Visit West added: “Pre-pandemic, Switzerland was one of the region’s larger inbound markets, and Bristol one of the most popular UK cities with Swiss visitors.

“There were more than 38,000 Swiss visits in 2019, over half of which were holiday visits, so this route is a critical part of rebuilding the market.”

SWISS suggests that connections between Bristol and Zurich will only expand over time.

Heinrich Lange, the senior director of sales in northern Europe of Lufthansa Group Airlines, said: “SWISS is very pleased to add Bristol as our eighth airport in the UK.

“From April onwards we are increasing our frequency and as of June we will operate three weekly flights Bristol-Zurich.”

Mr Browne added: “We will continue to work with SWISS on other exciting route opportunities for the future.”

This new service between Bristol and Zurich will successfully help build and then support both the tourism links and the business links between the UK and Switzerland for the future.