Flying home from Switzerland is costing expats 68% more

The cost of flying to and from Switzerland has jumped 68 percent in the past five years, according to the latest figures from the Comparis Leisure Price Index.

Why Swiss airfares have risen since 2021

Unless you are from a country within driving distance of Switzerland, flying home to see family is often an important part of expat life. Whether you’re heading out of Zurich, Geneva or Basel, the price of flying is getting increasingly expensive. Swiss airfares now cost a staggering 68 percent more than they did in 2021.  

The cost of a plane ticket in Switzerland has “practically exploded,” states a Comparis press release. The main reasons for the price hikes include fuel, staff, and maintenance, along with aircraft delivery delays, according to financial expert Michael Kuhn. “In addition, airlines are deliberately reducing capacity on less profitable routes,” Kuhn continued.

Cost of living in Switzerland is changing

The figures come from the Comparis Leisure Price Index, made in collaboration with the KOF Swiss Economic Institute at ETH Zurich to measure how inflation has impacted the cost of living in Switzerland. 

From leisure activities to hospitality and travel, the index uses the Swiss Consumer Price Index (CPI) and the Household Budget Survey (HBS) to create a snapshot of how inflation in Switzerland has impacted prices for residents.

Other aspects of expat life have also changed in price. Hotels are now 13,6 percent more expensive compared to June 2021, but camping and holiday rentals have actually gotten cheaper, falling 2,8 percent in price over the past five years.

Some prices dropped in June 2026

The Comparis Leisure Price Index also tracks short-term price changes, with several activities and items fluctuating monthly. Airfares dropped 7,3 percent in June compared to May 2026, although thanks to travel inflation in Switzerland they were still 3,4 percent higher than in June 2025.

“After the very high prices in April 2026, various fares were adjusted in May and June, as booking activity declined due to increased ticket prices, geopolitical uncertainty, and concerns about fuel supplies,” explained Kuhn. 

The price of holiday apartments also rose 3,9 percent in June while items like image and sound equipment (5,8 percent), TVs (1,9 percent), cameras (0,9 percent) and toys and games (0,8 percent) all dropped.