Obligation to report obstacles

Genève Aéroport acts as the cantonal point of contact for the assessment of building permit applications that may have an impact on air navigation.

It is also the point of contact for the Swiss Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA) for the evaluation, control, and analysis of temporary obstacles, such as cranes or masts.

In this capacity, Genève Aéroport actively contributes to maintaining air safety by ensuring that any project or installation complies with protection surfaces and does not compromise the safety of air operations.

Obstacle Limitation Surfaces (OLS) define the volumes of airspace that must be kept clear around the airport to ensure the safety of air operations.

These surfaces, approved by the Swiss Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA) in accordance with international ICAO standards (Annex 14, Volume I), establish the maximum permitted heights for constructions, installations, or vegetation near the airport.

At Genève Aéroport, these surfaces serve as a reference for assessing any construction or installation project and ensure compatibility between territorial development and aviation safety.

Any temporary installation likely to constitute an obstacle to air navigation—particularly construction cranes, masts, temporary antennas, or lifting equipment—must be reported to the Swiss Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA).

The notification is made via the FOCA online platform.

FOCA evaluates each request in collaboration with Genève Aéroport, in its role as cantonal point of contact, and with Skyguide when impacts on air navigation are possible. No temporary installation may be set up without prior authorization.

Operating conditions (maximum height, day/night marking, periods of activity) may be defined to preserve aviation safety and ensure the continuity of operations at Genève Aéroport.