Swiss Air Lines (SWISS) is offering cabin crew thousands of pounds to resign voluntarily as it attempts to address a staffing imbalance caused by operational constraints.
A European airline has launched a scheme offering flight attendants a lump sum of up to 15,000 Swiss francs, roughly €15,500, if they agree to leave the company. The offer is open to around 4,000 cabin crew based in Zurich and requires employees to terminate their contracts by 30 April and depart by August 2026.
SWISS said the excess cabin crew results from persistent engine issues and continuing shortage of pilots, which has forced the airline to operate fewer flights than scheduled, leaving more crew members available than needed.
A spokesperson said the company had already introduced a range of voluntary measures in recent months, including unpaid leave and reduced working hours, adding: “Many colleagues make use of these options when they align well with their personal circumstances.”
The payout is also available under alternative arrangements. Employees with at least six years of service can opt for a “dormant employment relationship” lasting a minimum of one year, allowing them to return to the airline afterwards. Meanwhile, those participating in a “Study & Fly” programme can receive a proportional payment while combining part-time work with further education.
SWISS emphasised that compulsory redundancies are not currently planned. “Redundancies are not envisaged for the time being and would represent the last resort if voluntary measures were not to suffice,” a spokesperson said.
SWISS delivered strong operational performance in 2025, yet faced financial decline. #lxpressconference. pic.twitter.com/9jpcJ3Kz0n
— Swiss Intl Air Lines (@FlySWISS) March 6, 2026
The airline estimates that in some months it will have up to 300 more cabin crew members than it can deploy, reflecting a mismatch between staffing levels and flight operations.
Reports suggest the problem stems from wider industry challenges, including grounded aircraft and reduced flight schedules. The current Middle East conflict adds to the growing pressures on global air travel, further straining flight schedules and airline operations.
Last autumn, SWISS recruited around 400 additional cabin crew, which contributed to the current staffing imbalance. Despite this, the airline expects the situation to stabilise over time. “We expect this situation to gradually normalise in the coming months and to balance out again by the beginning of 2027 at the latest,” a spokesperson said.
The voluntary resignation programme forms part of a wider effort to adjust staffing levels without resorting to layoffs, as airlines continue to navigate fluctuating operational conditions in the post-pandemic aviation sector.
