LSZH Zurich runways and takeoff performance

Runways at LSZH

The main runway is 16/34 on 155/335° true. 10/28 lies 59° off that axis and is the crosswind option when the wind blows across the main runways. 14/32 lies only 18° off the main axis, so it adds capacity rather than real crosswind relief.

Lengths run from 2,500 m on 10/28 to 3,700 m on 16/34, a difference of 1,200 m.

Displaced thresholds: 34 470 m, 14 150 m. A displaced threshold shortens the landing distance from that end, not the takeoff run.

Example takeoff performance

Flap setting, assumed temperature (FLEX) and V1/VR/V2 in knots for an A320ceo at 70 t and a 737-800 at 72 t, from the start of each runway of at least 1,800 m. Conditions are a standard day so runway length and airport elevation are what change: ISA temperature at the runway elevation, QNH 1013, calm wind, dry, no obstacles.

Runway length shows in the numbers: from 16 (3,700 m) the A320 example uses CONF 1+F with an assumed temperature of 58 °C, while 10 (2,500 m) needs CONF 3 and 51 °C, so less thrust reduction.

At 1,417 ft the air is thinner than at sea level, even with the standard-day temperature down to 12.2 °C. On 16 the A320 example takes CONF 1+F and 58 °C; the same 3,700 m runway at sea level would allow CONF 1+F and 61 °C. That gap is the thrust reduction the elevation takes away.

Near its maximum takeoff weight, at 77 t, the A320 example still gets CONF 2 with an assumed temperature of 47 °C from 16 (3,700 m). The limiting end is 28 (2,500 m), which needs full takeoff thrust (TOGA) with CONF 3, no thrust reduction at all. On a hot day at full weight that is the runway to check before you accept it from ATC.

The A320 V2 values include improved climb: with a long runway and a high assumed temperature, V2 is raised above its minimum so the one-engine climb gradient still holds. That is why V2 runs higher on the longer runways.

The 737-800 assumed temperature is at its FCOM maximum (marked max) from each runway end in the table, so at 72 t the runway is not what limits it.

An illustration for flight simulation, not for real-world operations. Your own numbers depend on weight, weather, runway condition, intersection and obstacles; SkyNexus computes them from your SimBrief plan and the live METAR. See the A320 performance calculator and the 737-800 performance calculator for how it works.

Nearby airports

• LIMC Milan Malpensa110 NM
• LOWI Innsbruck114 NM
• LSGG Geneva124 NM
• EDDM Munich141 NM

All airports

LSZH questions

How long is the longest runway at LSZH?

Runway 16/34 at Zurich is 3,700 m (12,139 ft) long and 60 m wide, surfaced in concrete.

What is the elevation of Zurich?

Zürich Airport sits at 1,417 ft above sea level. Elevation lowers air density, which raises true airspeed at a given V-speed and lengthens the takeoff run, so it matters for performance.

Which flap setting does an A320 use for takeoff at LSZH?

In our reference example (70 t, ISA, calm wind, dry runway, full length) the A320 uses CONF 1+F or CONF 3 here. On a real day the answer moves with weight, temperature, wind and the runway condition; SkyNexus works it out from your SimBrief flight plan and the live METAR.

Which runway at LSZH limits a heavy A320 takeoff?

Near its maximum takeoff weight, at 77 t, the A320 example still gets CONF 2 with an assumed temperature of 47 °C from 16 (3,700 m). The limiting end is 28 (2,500 m), which needs full takeoff thrust (TOGA) with CONF 3, no thrust reduction at all. On a hot day at full weight that is the runway to check before you accept it from ATC.