Swiss government tells its citizens not to travel to Israel; cross-border train will connect France with Geneva airport; and more news in our roundup on Monday.
Swiss government warns population against travel to Israel
Due to the escalating conflict with Iran, the Israeli government declared a state of emergency on June 13th, 2025..
According to Switzerland’s Foreign Ministry, “the security situation is tense throughout the country. Rocket attacks are regularly carried out. There is an increased risk of violent acts throughout the country, such as terrorist attacks and individual attacks using weapons or vehicles.”
Therefore, “public transportation, bus stops, checkpoints, outdoor cafes, shopping malls, crowded areas, and crowds are generally considered particularly dangerous.”
SWISS airline, which already cancelled flights to Tel-Aviv several weeks ago, will maintain the suspension until at least October 25th.
Additionally, the national airline will also be avoiding the airspace of the affected countries in the region, which means that flight times to Asia will be extended by up to 30 minutes, depending on the destination.
Cross-border train will travel to the Geneva airport
To mark five years since the Léman Express train was put into service as a joint effort by Switzerland’s SBB and France’s SNCF rail companies, a new route will be put into service from December 2025 (when the new SBB timetable goes into effect): from the French city of Annemasse to Geneva airport.
The L7 train go directly to the airport via Vernier, and will not stop at the Geneva’s central station, Cornavin, as all trains arriving from Switzerland do.
With 45 stations served on both sides of the border, the Léman Express is one of the largest cross-border rail networks in Europe. It is financed by the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region, the canton of Geneva, the canton of Vaud, as well as the Swiss government.
Advertisement
And there is more news from the SBB…
Switzerland’s train company introduces badges for travellers with invisible disabilities
Starting tomorrow, June 17th, the SBB will be making internationally recognised ‘sunflower badges’ available to passengers suffering from disabilities which are not visible to others.
They include disabilities such as autism, attention deficit disorder, and Parkinson’s disease, among others.
Their intention is to signal that the wearer may need extra time, consideration, or support — for example, during ticket checks.
Initially, 10,000 badges will be available at certain stations in the cantons of Zurich, Geneva, St. Gallen, Zug, and Vaud.
Advertisement
Swiss vs Germans: Who is more optimistic about the future?
This question is answered in a new study carried out by a German sociologist Rüdiger Maas among those aged between 16 and 29 years old.
It reveals that young Swiss are more confident about the future than their Germans counterparts.
While Germans in that age group have “a deep sense of unease,” their Swiss counterparts “display higher levels of well-being,” the study found.
More than 80 percent of Swiss say they are proud of their country — regardless of their origin —although only 40 percent are prepared to defend their homeland in an armed conflict, and 20 percent are ready to give their lives for Switzerland.
Furthermore, 68 percent feel “a sense of security,” and trust their public institutions, versus only 39 percent of German respondents.
If you have any questions about life in Switzerland, ideas for articles or news tips for The Local, please get in touch with us at news@thelocal.ch
