Valais does not want to further expand Sion civil airport
Published: Wednesday, Mar 27th 2024, 17:00
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The canton of Valais will not be expanding the civil airport in Sion any further. The aim of transforming the airport into a strategic instrument for the economy and tourism has been abandoned.
Following the expiry of the consultation period, the canton has decided not to pursue the preliminary draft law on the cantonal aviation strategy and the creation of a company for the management and operation of Sion Airport any further. This was announced by the State Chancellery on Wednesday.
The feedback from the consultation showed that the proposed strategy did not receive the necessary support to continue a project of this size. While the strategy was welcomed by some of the participants, criticism was voiced regarding the development of the airport itself and its impact on the environment. The municipalities also questioned their financial involvement in the project.
In view of these results, the State Council decided not to submit the dossier to the Grand Council. The aim of the government's program to transform Sion Airport into a strategic instrument for the canton's economy and tourism will therefore not be pursued.
The situation at the airport therefore remains unchanged, as the canton went on to say. The city of Sion will bear the operating and investment costs of the airport. The canton will subsidize 50 percent of the operating and investment deficit.
Alternative airfield for the air force
The airport continues to serve as an alternative airfield for the Swiss Air Force. The city of Sion holds the federal operating concession until its renewal in 2031, at which point it may be awarded to another organization that can then decide on the activities at the Sion site.
©Keystone/SDA
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