Switzerland is known for smooth transport connections and well-organised airports, which can make travelling with a disability, reduced mobility or hidden disability much easier. Whether you need wheelchair assistance, help through security, support for an autistic traveller, or guidance for travelling with medical equipment, Swiss airports offer special assistance services that can be arranged before you fly. If you are new to special assistance, my guide to getting help at the airport explains what it is, who can use it and how to book it.
Most airports recommend requesting assistance through your airline at least 48 hours before travel so airport staff can prepare the right support for your arrival and departure.
This guide lists the main airports in Switzerland along with links to their special assistance, reduced mobility and disability support pages.
Quick Wins for Special Assistance at Swiss Airports
- Request assistance through your airline when booking, or at least 48 hours before departure
- Look for PRM (Passengers with Reduced Mobility) services when searching airport websites
- Hidden disabilities including autism, dementia and non-visible conditions can also qualify for support
- Assistance can include help with check-in, security, passport control and boarding
- Many Swiss airports provide wheelchair services and accessible toilet facilities
- If travelling with mobility equipment, notify your airline in advance with measurements and battery details if applicable
Major Airports in Switzerland and Their Assistance Links
Zurich Airport (ZRH)
Switzerland’s busiest airport offers extensive PRM services, accessible facilities, wheelchair support and dedicated meeting points for passengers requiring assistance.
Special Assistance Link: Zurich Airport Special Assistance
If you are planning to visit Zurich, my guide to visiting Zurich with autistic children is a good place to begin planning.
Geneva Airport (GVA)
Geneva Airport provides support for reduced mobility passengers, hidden disabilities and medical travel needs, with clear pre-booking guidance.
Special Assistance Link: Geneva Airport Reduced Mobility Assistance
Visiting Geneva? Let my guide to visiting Geneva with autistic children take the stress away from planning.
EuroAirport Basel Mulhouse Freiburg (BSL)
Although shared by Switzerland, France and Germany, EuroAirport provides dedicated accessibility services and mobility support for all passengers.
Special Assistance Link: EuroAirport Assistance for Passengers with Reduced Mobility
My guide to visiting Basel with autistic children is a good place to start planning your trip to Basel, Switzerland.
Bern Airport (BRN)
Bern Airport offers accessibility support for passengers with reduced mobility and recommends arranging assistance through your airline in advance.
Special Assistance Link: Bern Airport Accessibility Services
Lugano Airport (LUG)
Lugano Airport supports passengers needing mobility help and recommends advance arrangements for wheelchair assistance and boarding support.
Special Assistance Link: Lugano Airport Passenger Assistance
The special assistance information for Lugano Airport is very sparse, unfortunately.
St. Gallen–Altenrhein Airport (ACH)
This regional airport offers special assistance for reduced mobility passengers with pre-arranged support via the airline or airport team.
Special Assistance Link: People’s Airport St. Gallen Accessibility Services
Sion Airport (SIR)
Sion Airport offers support for passengers with disabilities and reduced mobility, particularly for regional and seasonal flights.
Special Assistance Link: Sion Airport Passenger Assistance
On the link above for Sion Airport, click on the section for passengers with reduced mobility to reveal the special assistance information for this airport.
What Special Assistance Can Include
Depending on the airport and your airline, support may include:
- Help from arrival at the terminal to check-in
- Wheelchair support through the airport
- Priority security and boarding assistance
- Help during passport control and customs
- Assistance with baggage collection after landing
- Support for autistic travellers and hidden disabilities
- Help travelling with oxygen, medication or mobility aids
Some airports also offer quieter waiting spaces or allow pre-boarding for travellers who may benefit from additional time. My guide to getting help at the airport breaks down all of the kinds of help you can request at the airport. It is good to have some understanding of the disability codes airports and airlines use, especially the DPNA code if you are travelling with a hidden disability.
Hidden Disabilities and Autism Support At Swiss Airports
Not all disabilities are visible. Many Swiss airports support passengers with hidden disabilities including autism, ADHD, anxiety disorders, sensory processing difficulties and dementia. I have a seperate guide for travelling with ADHD that includes practical tips and tricks to make travelling easier for ADHD brains.
If your child struggles with queues, crowds or unpredictable airport environments, special assistance can make a major difference. You can often request early boarding, quieter support and staff awareness without needing to explain everything repeatedly.
This is where adding the DPNA code to your booking can also help if your airline supports it.
It is also good to learn about the Sunflower Lanyard for travelling – it is widely recognised at airports around the world.
Flying through Switzerland can be much less stressful when the right support is arranged in advance. Whether you are travelling through Zurich, Geneva or a smaller regional airport, special assistance services are there to help make the journey smoother and safer.
Always contact your airline first, confirm your assistance request and keep any medical documentation easily accessible if needed.
A little planning before travel can make a huge difference on airport day.
Continue Planning Your Trip to Switzerland With Kids
For all of Switzerland, start with my Switzerland guide.
- Wondering about Zurich? My guide to visiting Zurich with kids will explain what to expect
- Heading to Geneva? I have a guide that explains how to get there, what to do and where to stay in Geneva with autistic children
- Fancy Basel? I have broken down how to get to Basel, things to do with kids and so much more in my guide to visiting Basel with kids
- Staying overnight in Switzerland? You may be entitled to a free travel pass
Continue Planning Your Europe Travel Itinerary With Kids
For all of Europe, start with my Europe guide.
- Choose Greece for historical sightseeing, beaches and lots of sunny days
- Choose Malta for a smaller, easier-to-navigate island with shorter travel days
- Choose England for familiar routines, family attractions and easy-to-access transport links
- Choose Northern Ireland for scenic road trips, quieter attractions and friendly small-town travel
- Choose France for varied family holidays, reliable transport and a huge choice of sensory-friendly destinations
- Choose Italy for relaxed family culture, walkable historic cities and memorable train journeys between destinations
Continue Planning Your Accessible Trip With My Guides
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