Fighter jet flights in Switzerland
Fly a fighter jet from Sion
Sion is an alpine airfield in the Rhone valley, ringed by four-thousand-metre peaks. Fly the L-39 Albatros over the Swiss Alps on a 30 or 45 minute flight, with the option to take the controls yourself. From around £3,900, $5,100 or €4,600.
The airfield
Airfield
Sion Airport
ICAO
LSGS
Region
Valais, Switzerland
Nearest airport
Geneva, 155 km
Season
March to November
Languages
French, German, English
Aircraft at this location
Each aircraft has its own reference page covering history, specification and what the sortie involves.
What a flight day involves
A translator meets you at the airfield and takes you to your pilot, where you agree exactly what you want from the flight: the manoeuvres, how much G-force, and whether you take the controls yourself. A medical check-up and full briefing follow before you change into your flight suit, gloves and helmet.
Sion sits at 482 metres on a valley floor with terrain rising on both sides, so departures and arrivals follow the valley rather than a standard circuit. Sorties climb over the Valais peaks, with climbs and dives, tail-chase, the Immelmann, loops and split-S on offer.
After landing there is time for photos with the aircraft, and a video package of your flight is included.
Getting there
By air
Geneva is the closest international airport at roughly 155 km, around two hours by road. Zurich and Milan Malpensa are both viable alternatives.
By road
The A9 runs the length of the Rhone valley. Parking is available at the airfield. Allow extra time in winter for alpine conditions.
By rail
Sion station is served direct from Geneva and Lausanne, roughly ten minutes from the airfield by taxi.
When to fly
March to May
Clear air and snow still on the peaks. The most photographed time of year in the Valais.
June to August
Longest days and the widest choice of slots. Book earliest for this window.
September to November
Stable conditions and quieter airspace. Flying stops when the winter weather sets in.
Questions about this location
Which aircraft can I fly at Sion?
At Sion you can fly the L-39 Albatros, a two-seat jet trainer flown by air forces around the world. Hawker Hunter flights also run from Sion.
Do I need to speak French or German to fly at Sion?
No, you do not need to speak French or German to fly at Sion. Briefings and radio procedure are conducted in English.
Can I fly at Sion in winter?
No, flights at Sion do not run in winter. They run from March to November, because Alpine conditions outside that window make the valley routes unreliable.
How long is the drive from Geneva to Sion?
The drive from Geneva to Sion takes around two hours by road. Alternatively, take a direct train to Sion followed by a short taxi.
Is the flight at Sion filmed?
Yes, your flight at Sion is filmed, and a video package of the flight is included.
What happens if the weather is poor at Sion?
If the weather is poor at Sion, your flight is rescheduled rather than cancelled. Alpine weather changes quickly and operators will not fly a marginal slot.
