Switzerland to use passenger data against terrorism from 2027

Switzerland will systematically analyse air passenger data from February 1, 2027, to combat terrorism and serious crime, SRF reports. The Federal Council has brought the new Air Passenger Data Act into force from November 1, 2026.

The law closes a gap in international air security and brings Switzerland into line with more than 70 countries that already use passenger data for crime prevention.

It provides the legal basis for collecting and processing Passenger Name Record data for all flights departing from or arriving in Switzerland. Until now, such data could not generally be analysed systematically within Switzerland, except for flights to countries such as the United States or European Union states, which have required the data for years.

Airlines will have to provide authorities with a wide range of information, including passengers’ names, addresses, telephone numbers, credit card numbers and baggage details. Sensitive personal information, such as religious affiliation, may not be passed on to the federal government.

The Federal Office of Police, known as Fedpol, will process the data through a new specialist unit called the Passenger Information Unit. The unit will begin operating on February 1, 2027, and automatically compare passenger data with search systems including Ripol and the Schengen Information System.

If the system identifies a possible match involving offences such as terrorism, rape, illegal drug trafficking or money laundering, staff will review the result manually. Only after verification will the information be passed to the relevant authorities, such as the police.

The unit will be established in stages. It will start in 2027 with eight employees and limited operations, with expansion to 14 positions planned from 2028. The federal government and the cantons will share the cost of these positions equally. Full operations are expected to require around 30 full time positions, with further expansion planned from 2030.