French is no longer spoken at Zurich Airport as part of a new concept aimed at minimising announcements, with Switzerland’s largest airport now using only German and English.
"This follows an international trend," said Zurich Airport spokesperson Livia Caluori on Monday, confirming an article in the Tages Anzeiger. "Other airports are also reducing announcements to enhance passenger relaxation and comfort," she added.
The decision to abandon Switzerland’s second natzional language was based on user data analysis, continued Caluori. Five years ago, an examination of website usage data revealed that only 1% of users clicked on the French version.
"Francophones are not completely lost, thanks to new technologies," the spokesperson explained. "Almost all web browsers offer integrated translators, enabling a website in German and English to be translated into the desired language with a single click."
