Skyguide announces 50 job cuts following restructuring consultation

Skyguide, the Swiss air traffic control provider, has announced that its restructuring program will result in 50 total job cuts following a consultation process. This figure is significantly lower than the initial estimate of up to 220 potential layoffs. The reductions will occur in two waves: 14 terminations this year and approximately 35 in the spring of 2027.

The reduction in layoffs was achieved through 141 proposals submitted by employees, unions, and worker representatives. These measures included early retirements, natural staff turnover, internal mobility, and voluntary departures. Despite the lower number of terminations, Skyguide maintains its goal of saving 51 million Swiss francs and reducing its total workforce by approximately 200 positions.

The company is also implementing a new organizational structure in early 2027, which will reduce the executive management from nine members to five. Financial pressures on Skyguide stem from lower-than-expected overflight fee revenues and demands from European authorities for further cost reductions. While the union Syndicom called the reduction in layoffs a success for workers, it noted that the remaining staff may face increased workloads as positions will not be replaced through 2028.