SWISS operates a special repatriation flight from Oman to Zurich today; petrol prices are on the rise in Switzerland; and more news in our Thursday roundup.
SWISS operates a special repatriation flight from Oman to Zurich today
Even though the Omani capital, Muscat, is not a regular destination for the airline, SWISS decided to help travellers who have been stranded in the region since US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran began on February 28th.
“We are aware that the situation on the ground is highly challenging for many and remains associated with uncertainty,” the company said in a press release.
“With this flight, we want to make a concrete contribution to supporting those affected by this difficult situation.”
The flight will carry people who already had tickets to return to Zurich but have been unable to do so while flights were not operating, as well as Swiss nationals living in Oman, who have registered with the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs.
Petrol prices are on the rise at Swiss pumps
Due to the situation in the Middle East, petrol prices in Switzerland have increased by 10 to 15 percent compared to the last week in February – that is, before US and Israel had launched airstrikes on Iran.
But this is just the beginning: according to Roland Bilang, director of Avenergy, the umbrella organisation for oil market professionals, they will continue to climb in coming days, possibly reaching 2 francs per litre – up from about 1.70 per litre currently for unleaded 95.
However, Bilang does not foresee gasoline shortages in Switzerland, “because the global market is well supplied with oil.”
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Switzerland’s central bank reveals the country’s new banknotes
On Wednesday, the Swiss National Bank (SNB) presented the design for the new banknotes, to be put into circulation in 2030 – at which point they will replace the current series.
In the meantime, security features will be integrated into the banknotes (only paper money will be changed, while the coins will remain the same).
This newest series is themed “Switzerland and its Altitudes, paying tribute to the country’s unique topography, from the Jura Mountains to the Swiss Plateau and the Alps.
Emphase Ltd has won the Swiss National Bank’s design competition for the new banknote series. All 12 concepts and further information on the development of the new banknote series can be found on the SNB website: https://t.co/ShuE7kd7as pic.twitter.com/dvWijyQj0a
— Swiss National Bank (@SNB_BNS) March 4, 2026
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A light-brown haze will cover French-speaking Switzerland today
Saharan sand will colour the skies over the region starting today, with a thin layer of dust settling on balconies and other surfaces, and potentially causing some sneezing in allergy-prone individuals.
This is not a new phenomenon, however: Switzerland has already experienced it several times in recent years.
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
