Zurich Airport, known by its IATA code ZRH, is Switzerland’s largest and busiest international airport. Located just 13 kilometers north of Zurich’s city center, it is renowned for its efficiency, exceptional cleanliness, and world-class facilities. Emirates Airlines, one of the world’s leading international carriers, operates regular long-haul flights between Zurich and Dubai, offering passengers direct access to the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and Oceania via Dubai International Airport.
If you're traveling with Emirates Airlines from or to Zurich, understanding the layout, services, and procedures at the Emirates Airlines ZRH Terminal can greatly improve your airport experience. This comprehensive guide covers everything from check-in and lounges to boarding and arrivals.
Emirates Airlines operates out of Terminal 2 at Zurich Airport. Zurich uses a single-terminal concept that is divided into functional areas: Check-in 1, Check-in 2, and Check-in 3, which are all part of a central terminal complex. Emirates check-in desks are located in Check-in Area 2, which is specifically designated for long-haul and intercontinental carriers.
After check-in, passengers on Emirates flights usually depart from Concourse E, also known as the Midfield Terminal. This area is designed to accommodate wide-body aircraft such as the Airbus A380, which is the aircraft Emirates commonly operates on the Zurich-Dubai route.
Concourse E is accessible by a short underground train ride using the airport’s automated Skymetro system. The ride is quick, reliable, and well-signposted in English, German, and other languages.
Passengers flying Emirates from Zurich should head to Check-in Zone 2 in Terminal 2. This area provides both self-service kiosks and staffed counters. Emirates offers a streamlined check-in experience with dedicated counters for:
First and Business Class travelers benefit from priority check-in, allowing faster processing and minimal waiting time. Emirates ground staff are known for their professionalism and provide assistance with baggage drop, seat assignments, and travel documentation.
For international flights such as the one to Dubai, it is advised to arrive at least three hours prior to departure to allow ample time for check-in, security, and passport control.
Once check-in is complete, passengers proceed to the security screening area. Zurich Airport is known for its fast and efficient security checks, and Emirates passengers traveling in premium classes or with Skywards status can access priority lanes, which significantly reduce waiting time.
After security, passengers flying to non-Schengen destinations like Dubai must clear passport control. Border officers will verify your travel documents and stamp your passport before allowing entry into the international (non-Schengen) zone.
The process is generally smooth and well-managed, but it's always wise to keep all required documents—such as boarding passes and identification—readily accessible.
After passport control, passengers board the Skymetro train to reach Concourse E, the designated area for most intercontinental departures, including Emirates flights. This concourse features spacious waiting lounges, duty-free shops, dining options, and Emirates’ own premium lounge.