Sion Airport

What Sion Airport does

Sion Airport (Aéroport de Sion, ICAO: LSGS, IATA: SIR) is a municipal international airport located 2.5 km southwest of Sion city center in the Valais canton of Switzerland, owned and operated by the City of Sion (Ville de Sion) since its founding in 1935. The airport operates a 2,000-meter runway supporting both IFR and VFR traffic, equipped with an IGS (since 1991) and an RNAV (RNP 0.3) GPS approach on runway 25 (since February 2016), and serves as a gateway for leisure travel to Alpine ski resorts and Mediterranean destinations, business and private aviation, helicopter transfers, flight training, gliding, parachuting, and heli-skiing.

The airport generates revenue from five streams: airport charges and fees, fuel sales (JET A1, AVGAS 100LL, UL 91, and SAF, with tiered fuel accounts and four accepted fuel cards), ground handling delivered through three agents (Sion Airport in-house, Signature Flight Support, Alpine Jet Service), hangar and facility rental (for aircraft up to 77,000 kg including A320-type), and parking services across three lots totaling 260 spaces. Its core technology is aviation infrastructure rather than software, anchored by precision approach systems and a proprietary pilot qualification regime (Type A online and Type B simulator-based certifications, valid 12 months).

Commercially, Sion runs a partner-led go-to-market: scheduled seasonal flights to Mediterranean destinations are operated by Helvetic Airways (Palma de Mallorca) and Air Mountain (Alghero, Île d'Elbe, Calvi, Figari, St Tropez), distributed through Buchard Voyages, while event-driven helicopter traffic serves the WEF in Davos and the Montreux Jazz Festival. In 2025 the airport handled 43,888 flights and 39,587 passengers, with approximately 30-40 staff and a currently vacant Director position. Sion distinguishes itself as the first Swiss airport to market Sustainable Aviation Fuel and maintains heritage branding tied to Hermann Geiger, 'The Glacier Pilot'.

Name

Sion Airport

Legal name

Aéroport de Sion

Website

https://sionaeroport.ch

Company type

Private

Founded year

1935

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Sion Airport is a municipal Swiss international airport serving leisure travelers, business aviation, and helicopter operators with scheduled Mediterranean flights, fuel sales, ground handling, hangar, and parking services. In 2025 it handled 43,888 flights and 39,587 passengers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Regional Airport Operations

NAICS

Airport Operations (48811)

SIC

Airports, Flying Fields & Airport Terminal Services (4581)

akta.pro primary industry

Aviation Infrastructure Agencies (Public Airports, Airfield Ops, Ground Access) (BPAIALAE)

Keywords

• Regional airport operations
• Aviation fuel services
• Ground handling services
• Passenger flight services
• Airport infrastructure

Headquarters

HQ city

Sion

HQ country

Switzerland

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Airport Charges and Fees: Airport taxes and charges collected to fund security (preventing criminal risks), safety (preventing accidental risks), and environmental initiatives. Revenue also covers operating costs and investments in airport infrastructure.
2. Fuel Sales: Sale of aviation fuels including JET A1, AVGAS 100LL, and UL91. The airport offers fuel accounts with tiered discounts based on volume, along with detailed usage reports and flexible payment options.
3. Ground Handling Services: Ground handling services provided through three handling agents: Aéroport de Sion, Signature Flight Support, and Alpine Jet Service. Services include aircraft handling, lounge access, and passenger services.
4. Hangar and Facility Rental: Hangar space available for aircraft up to 77,000 kg (type A320) and aircraft maintenance services through partners like FARNER and TAG Maintenance Services.
5. Parking Services: Short-stay parking (140 spaces, hourly rates), monthly pass parking (120 spaces with disc system), and long-stay parking with monthly passes for car parks P1, P2, and P3.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Sion Airport operates a regional international airport providing scheduled seasonal passenger flights to Mediterranean destinations, ground handling services, aviation fuel distribution (JET A1, AVGAS, UL 91, and SAF), hangar and parking facilities, pilot IFR qualification programs, and air taxi and helicopter transfer services. The airport serves as an Alpine gateway for leisure travelers seeking ski resort and Mediterranean access, as well as business and private aviation operators.

Product overview

Sion Airport operates as a regional international airport offering a complete infrastructure for regular air links, business flights, and leisure aviation. The core portfolio includes pilot qualification programs (Type A online and Type B simulator-based), fuel services (JET A1, AVGAS, UL 91, and SAF biofuel with tiered account programs), ground handling through three partner agents, and air taxi/helicopter services for events and heli-skiing. The airport supports regular seasonal passenger flights to Mediterranean destinations and serves diverse leisure activities including gliding, parachuting, and scenic flights through local clubs. Ancillary services include parking facilities, an airport lounge, restaurant, and hangar/repair services for visiting aircraft.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Pilot Qualification System (Type A and Type B) IFR qualification program for pilots operating at Sion Airport: Type A is completed online with a minimum DA of 8,000 ft and is valid for 12 months; Type B is completed through simulator training at approved centers (Alpha Aviation, CAE, Lufthansa Aviation Training) and is required for IGS approaches below 8,000 ft DA/MDA, night operations, and high-performance IMC departures. Designed for IFR-rated pilots using Sion as a destination or alternate.
• Fuel Services (JET A1, AVGAS 100LL, UL 91, SAF) Distribution of aviation fuels including JET A1, AVGAS 100LL, UL 91, and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Pricing per liter with full-price and duty-free tiers plus tiered fuel account programs offering progressive volume discounts, detailed usage reporting, and flexible payment. Accepts UVAIR, World Fuel, COLT, and Air BP fuel cards. Open to all aviation operators during airport operating hours.
• Ground Handling Services Mandatory ground handling for non-based aircraft over 3 tons, available from three handling agents (Sion Airport Handling, Signature Flight Support, Alpine Jet Service). Services include aircraft marshalling, baggage handling, refueling coordination, and lounge access. Sion Airport Handling: frequency 131.955 MHz; Signature Flight Support: +41 27 305 24 24; Alpine Jet Service: +41 27 327 30 50.
• Scheduled Passenger Flights (Mediterranean destinations) Regular seasonal passenger flights operated by Helvetic Airways (Palma de Mallorca every Thursday, May 28 to October 8, 2026) and Air Mountain (Alghero Sundays, Île d'Elbe Wednesdays and Saturdays, St Tropez Mondays/Thursdays/Fridays/Sundays, Calvi Wednesdays and Saturdays, Figari Thursdays and Sundays). Bookings handled through partner tour operators Buchard Voyages and Air Mountain. Targets leisure travelers seeking direct access from the Swiss Alps to Mediterranean destinations.
• Air Taxi and Helicopter Services Helicopter transport services via on-site partners (Heli-Alps, Air Glaciers, Alpine Helicopters, Groupe Hélico Sion) covering helicopter transfers to major events including WEF in Davos and Montreux Jazz Festival, heli-skiing operations, scenic flights, and equipment transportation. Designed for VIP passengers and event-based travel.
• Leisure Flight Activities Recreational aviation activities including pleasure flights, initiation flights, and clubs based at the airport (Motor Flight Group, Helicopter Group, Gliding Club, Parachuting Club). Activities are operated by independent clubs/groups using airport facilities and fuel services. Targets hobby pilots, trainees, and adventure tourism participants.
• Hangar and Aircraft Maintenance Services Hangar space rental for visiting aircraft up to 77,000 kg (type A320-class) and aircraft maintenance services through partner repair facilities FARNER (+41 (0)27 322 97 31) and TAG Maintenance Services (+351 210 322 824). Targets private and business aviation operators requiring sheltered parking or maintenance support.
• Airport Parking Services Three parking options at Sion Airport: P1 short-stay (140 spaces, hourly rates from 0.20 CHF/hour for 0–2 hours to 0.50 CHF/hour for 2–20 hours, maximum stay 20 days), P2 monthly pass (120 spaces, tiered 10–60 CHF for 1–4 to 17–23 day periods), and P3 long-stay with monthly rental. Prices in CHF.
• Terminal 60 Restaurant and Airport Lounge On-site Terminal 60 restaurant with runway views, children's play area, meals and snacks, and meeting/function rooms for business events and family celebrations (phone +41 27 322 00 71). Passenger lounge available at the terminal ([email protected]). Targets travelers, families, and local event organizers.

Quantifiable outcome

• 43,888 flights with 39,587 passengers handled in 2025
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Helvetic AirwayscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAirline partner operating regular flights between Sion and Majorca (Palma) every Thursday during summer season 2026.
• Air MountaincoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAirline partner offering seasonal flights to Sardinia (Alghero), Île d'Elbe, Corsica (Calvi, Figari), and St Tropez via GVA routing.
• Buchard VoyagescoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTour operator partner for booking charter and regular flights to Mediterranean destinations including Majorca.
• Signature Flight SupportcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerGround handling agent providing professional aircraft handling services, frequency 131.955 MHz, phone +41 27 305 24 24.
• Alpine Jet ServicecoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerGround handling agent providing aircraft handling and lounge services, frequency 131.670 MHz, phone +41 27 327 30 50.
• Heli-AlpsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHelicopter company partner based at Sion Airport.
• Air GlaciersminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHelicopter company partner specializing in mountain operations.
• Alpine HelicoptersminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHelicopter company partner at Sion Airport.
• Groupe Hélico SionminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLocal helicopter group based at the airport.
• Swiss International AirlinesminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNational airline partner.
• SkyguidecoreTechnology or IntegrationAir navigation services provider for Swiss airspace, including special flights coordination.
• RegaminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSwiss air rescue service partner.
• UVAIRminorOthersFuel card accepted at Sion Airport.
• World FuelminorOthersFuel card accepted at Sion Airport.
• COLTminorOthersFuel card accepted at Sion Airport.
• Air BPminorOthersFuel card accepted at Sion Airport.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves10 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Bern Airport: Bern Airport (Belpmoos) is a Swiss regional airport offering scheduled leisure flights and business aviation services. It shares with Sion a similar scale, ownership structure under public authorities, and dependence on a small set of leisure/charter carriers.
• Aosta Airport: Aosta is an Italian Alpine regional airport serving the Aosta Valley ski region. It is structurally similar to Sion — a small, seasonal airport anchored by Alpine tourism and general/business aviation with a constrained catchment.
• Lugano Airport: Lugano is a Swiss regional airport with a similar passenger volume tier, a mix of leisure charter and business/general aviation, and a comparable role as a secondary access point for southern Switzerland and northern Italian tourism markets.
• Chambéry Airport: Chambéry Savoie Mont Blanc is a French Alpine airport that primarily serves ski resorts in the northern French Alps. It is directly comparable to Sion as a small, seasonal, ski-access gateway with charter and private aviation activity.
• Samedan Airport (Engadin Airport): Samedan/Engadin is another small Swiss Alpine regional airport serving the Upper Engadin and St. Moritz ski region. It is the closest direct comparable to Sion in terms of size, Alpine positioning, seasonal ski traffic, and reliance on business/general aviation rather than mass-market scheduled service.
• St. Gallen-Altenrhein Airport: Altenrhein is a small Swiss regional airport with a mix of business aviation and leisure charter flights serving eastern Switzerland and the Lake Constance region. Its scale, charter-led model, and niche regional role are directly comparable to Sion.
• Innsbruck Airport: Innsbruck is an Alpine gateway airport in Austria serving Tyrolean ski resorts with both scheduled leisure and private/business aviation. It is the most direct international analogue to Sion in terms of ski-resort access positioning, seasonal charter model, and reliance on premium Alpine tourism.

Others

• Jet Aviation: Jet Aviation operates a global FBO and ground handling network serving business aviation. It is comparable to Sion's handling operations (which include Signature Flight Support as a partner) and illustrates the international FBO competitive set that competes for Sion-based business aviation tenants.

Broad incumbents

• Geneva Airport: Geneva is Switzerland's second-largest international hub and is referenced in Sion's own materials because some Air Mountain flights (e.g., St Tropez) route via GVA. It is a broader incumbent in the Swiss aviation ecosystem rather than a direct competitor for Sion's niche.
• Zurich Airport: Zurich is Switzerland's largest international airport and dominates scheduled traffic in the country. It serves as a broad incumbent against which Sion competes for premium Swiss-based leisure and business aviation demand.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/sionairport
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCHUEgnwEcHCC0VoGBhQ_EvA/videos?disable_polymer=1
• Facebookfacebook.com/sionairport
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/a%C3%A9roport-de-sion
• Instagraminstagram.com/sionairport

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Sion Airport