Transformation of a military airfield into a civilian innovation centre
The Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA) has authorised the civilian conversion of the St. Stephan military airfield in the upper Simmental valley. Prospective Concepts Aeronautics AG has received the operating licence. The cantonal licence is still pending.
The civilian conversion of the St. Stephan military airfield in the upper Simmental is making progress. According to a press release, the Federal Office of Civil Aviation(FOCA) has authorised the conversion into a civilian airfield. This means that buildings and facilities that are no longer required can be demolished and the infrastructure for civil flight operations can be built. The FOCA has also granted Prospective Concepts Aeronautics AG(PCA) an unlimited operating licence and approved the operating regulations.
The Cantonal Office for Municipalities and Spatial Planning is expected to approve the development plan for the site at the beginning of 2026, which was adopted by the municipal assembly in 2024. Armasuisse Immobilien will then transfer the site from federal ownership to the municipality of St. Stephan. PCA will use the airfield under building rights.
In future, the airfield will be used for both civil aviation and commercial purposes. Flights are likely to be triggered primarily by development, manufacturing and maintenance companies.
Occasional tourist and business flights are also planned. Flight operations are regulated in the Sectoral Transport Plan, Infrastructure Section (SIL), which was adopted by the Federal Council on 30 August 2023.
The airfield was established during the Second World War in 1941. It is located close to the Gstaad-Zweisimmen-St. Stephan and Adelboden-Lenk ski resorts.