Published on 8 March 2024
Meiringen Air Base
Meiringen Air Base plays a key role in ensuring the Air Force's operational readiness.
News
- Noise comparison between F/A-18 and F-35A in Meiringen postponed
This week, the Italian Air Force informed the DDPS that the Italian F-35A fighter aircraft scheduled for the noise comparison cannot be deployed to Switzerland as planned due to operational reasons. The comparison, originally scheduled for 21 April 2026, will therefore be postponed.
To conduct a noise comparison between an F/A-18 and an F-35A, the Swiss Air Force relies on the support of foreign partners, as Switzerland does not yet have its own F-35A aircraft. It is therefore up to the partner nation to determine the timing of its participation, taking into account its operational commitments.
The Swiss Air Force is in close contact with the Italian Air Force, which has reaffirmed its support for a later execution. The new date is currently under clarification and has not yet been determined. - App "Swiss Air Force": QR Code
- 8 May - 22 May 2026: No scheduled jet operations
Announcements / Reports
Facts & figures
Of its approximately 200 personnel, most are based in Meiringen, while a smaller number work at Bern Belp Airport. They meet the daily challenges of operating and maintaining cutting-edge technology. Whether they are supporting flight operations, maintaining extensive infrastructure, or monitoring Swiss airspace, they all make a vital contribution to national security through their professionalism and precision. The team also includes 30 apprentices training in mechanical engineering, automotive technology, and facility maintenance.
Air Force Squadron 11 is one of the three F/A-18 Hornet squadrons of the Swiss Air Force and a key pillar of Switzerland’s air defence. While the other two F/A-18 squadrons are based in Payerne in western Switzerland, Fighter Squadron 11 has been stationed in Unterbach since January 2006, carrying out missions every day from Meiringen Air Base in the Bernese Oberland.
Air Base Command Meiringen works closely with Air Base Command 13 during refresher courses with conscript soldiers to ensure that operations at Meiringen Air Base can continue as usual.
The situation at Bern Airport is somewhat unique: members of the Federal Council, high-ranking guests from Switzerland and abroad, and other dignitaries are frequent visitors. Staff stationed in Belp primarily handle the helicopters and VIP aircraft operated by the Federal Air Transport Service.
Air traffic control is provided by Skyguide, the nationwide air navigation service provider.
Partners
Flight schedule of the Air Base
Flight operation times
- Monday to Friday
- 8am - 12pm
- 1.30pm - 5pm
Different flight operation times apply during refresher courses
Night flight
- October - March
- every Monday, Tuesday as reserve day
- until no later than 10pm
No scheduled jet operations
- 4 June & 5 June 2026 (week 23)
- 22 June - 17 August 2026 (weeks 26 - 34)
- 30 October 2026 (week 44)
- 6 November - 20 November 2026 (weeks 45 - 47)
- 14 December 2026 - 1 January 2027 (weeks 51 & 52)
Axalp training area active
- Weeks 44 & 45
Parascout training with PC-6
- 24 August - 26 August 2026 (week 35)
Other informations
- Helicopter and propeller aircraft operations may take place at any time
- QRA deployments from Meiringen as alternate air base possible
All information subject to change without notice.
- Monday to Friday
ANMS noise measurements
ANMS stands for Airport Noise Monitoring System. The system measures noise levels in decibels (dB) during flight operations at Meiringen Air Base. Decibels are a unit used to express sound intensity, but rather than increasing linearly, the decibel scale is logarithmic. This means that a small increase in decibels can represent a significant increase in perceived loudness. An increase of 3 dB is barely noticeable to the human ear, whereas an increase of 10 dB is typically perceived as being about twice as loud. The measurements are adjusted to reflect how the human ear perceives sound. For example, 0 dB represents the threshold of human hearing – any sound under 0 db (for example, the sound of grass growing) cannot be perceived by the human ear. At the other end of the scale, 130 dB is as loud as standing next to a jackhammer, which is right at the threshold of pain.
The measuring system
- Brienz wastewater treatment plant
- Hofstetten fire station
- Ballenberg pottery museum
- Unterbach school
- Balm TRUFF
- Hausen school
- Hasliberg Hohfluh
- Unterbach Air Base
The system’s average values are based on a standard flight operation pattern, which was determined statistically over a longer period. The measured noise events are divided into three categories:
- < 1 dB small exceedance of the average
- 1 - 2 dB average exceedance of the average
- > 2 dB significant exceedance of the average
The last category is perceived as ‘more noise than usual’. Noise levels vary depending on whether flights take place during the day or at night.
Exceedances are generally caused by weather conditions (e.g. low-lying clouds or wind) and by the local topography (e.g. a narrow valley). These factors can require aircraft to fly lower and use more power during turns, which increases noise.
Another factor is pilot experience – more experienced pilots tend to cause less noise than pilots with less experience flying jet aircraft. Exceedances greater than 2 dB are analysed and, if necessary, discussed with the pilot responsible to find ways to reduce noise in the future.
Login measuring system Meiringen Air Base
Noise reports Meiringen
The Environmental Protection Act and Noise Abatement Ordinance lay out Switzerland’s regulations for controlling noise.
Shooting range bulletin
Axalp-Ebenfluh — © VBS/DDPS Axalp and Dammastock
Axalp – Swiss Air Force flight demonstrations
Patrouille Suisse — © VBS/DDPS In 2026 there will be no Swiss Air Force display on Axalp!
Visitor Day
- 23 October 2026 (11am - 4pm)
A variety of presentations await you on our Visitor Day
The number of visitors is limited. Entry is free of charge.
On site
Signalled visitor parking spaces on site.
You must present valid official ID at the entrance.
The Fliegertreff restaurant will be open and looks forward to welcoming you.
Cancellation
We will confirm whether the event is going ahead the day before from 5pm on this page.
Registration
A registration form must be completed for each person
Night flight event
- Date to be confirmed
Programme
- 03.30pm Visit to Hangar 1
- 04.30pm Doors open (main hall)
- 05.00pm Start evening programme with presentation
Menu
- Pork cordon bleu with potato gratin and braised thyme green beans, followed by homemade tiramisu and coffee
- Price CHF 45 per person (drinks not included)
- only cash payment possible on site
Reservation
Via email lw.fliegertreff@sv-group.ch or by phone 058 461 65 85
The event will take place in all weather conditions – even if no night flights occur. We look forward to your reservation!
SV Restaurant Fliegertreff, Unterbach
Exhibition
Hangar 1 — Visitor Hangar — © VBS/DDPS 
Hangar 1 — Exhibition — © VBS/DDPS 
Hangar 1 — Tiger F-5 — © VBS/DDPS 
Hangar 1 — Simulator — © VBS/DDPS On the first Wednesday of each month from April to October, Hangar 1 is open to visitors from 1.30pm - 3.30pm.
The exhibition features a fully equipped F-5 Tiger fighter jet and an Alouette III helicopter, as well as various engine cutaways, a flight simulator and other exhibits.
Specialist staff are on hand to assist you with any questions.
Visitors do not need to register in advance.
Restaurant
Restaurant Fliegertreff — © VBS/DDPS - Publicly accessible
- 106 seats
- Catering
- Takeaway
- Loudspeaker system and projector
- Parking spots available
- Terrace with 50 seats
- Guest restaurant with 25 seats
- Traditional cuisine
Opening hours
- Monday - Thursday
- 6.30am - 4pm
- Friday
- 6.30am - 1pm
Contact
- Fliegertreff restaurant
- Guillaume Fritz (SV Group Switzerland)
- Meiringen Air Base
- CH-3857 Unterbach
- Tel: +41 58 461 65 85
- E-Mail: lw.fliegertreff@sv-group.ch
In Meiringen, we offer the following apprenticeships:
- Mechanical Engineer (Federal VET Diploma)
- Buiding and Grounds Custodian (Federal VET Diploma)
- Automotive Mechanic (Federal VET Diploma)
More apprenticeships:
Contact
The Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport DDPS
Swiss Army
Meiringen Air Base
CH - 3857 Unterbach