SWISS now flies nonstop between Zurich and Bengaluru. The first flight, LX140, left Zurich at 1:34 p.m. on October 27, opening the airline's first route to southern India.
SWISS marked the launch with a short release on the day. Bengaluru is the airline's third Indian city, after Delhi and Mumbai, and the route runs five times a week.
The schedule
SWISS published the timetable when it first announced the route in May. It looks like this:
| Flight | Departs | Arrives | Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| LX140 Zurich–Bengaluru | 1:20 p.m. | 2:55 a.m. next day | Not Mon. or Wed. |
| LX141 Bengaluru–Zurich | 4:50 a.m. | 10:50 a.m. | Not Tue. or Thu. |
All times are local. The eastbound trip takes about nine hours. Check your booking for the current times, since schedules can shift between announcement and launch.
The timing is built around connections. The early-morning arrival in Zurich gives travelers from Bengaluru time to connect onto SWISS and Lufthansa Group flights across Europe, and onward to North America. Going the other way, the middle-of-the-night landing in Bengaluru makes for a long first day.
What the cabin offers
In its May announcement, the Lufthansa Group said the route offers First, Business and Economy, with First Class on every flight. SWISS sells First on only part of its long-haul fleet, so that is a real commitment for a new route.
The airline has not named the aircraft in either release. SWISS flies First Class on its Boeing 777-300ERs and Airbus A340-300s, so travelers should expect one of those types. Seat maps for both are on the SWISS airline page.
Why it matters
Until now, travelers between Bengaluru and Switzerland had to connect, often through a Gulf hub, Delhi, Mumbai or another European city. A nonstop saves several hours on a typical trip.
Bengaluru is one of India's main technology centers, and SWISS CEO Jens Fehlinger called it "one of Asia's leading technology and innovation hubs." The airline is betting on business travel, along with families visiting relatives and tourists heading to southern India.
The route also gives Star Alliance travelers another way to reach Europe from India. Air India, also a Star Alliance member, already flies long-haul from Bengaluru.
Where to wait
In Zurich, SWISS runs a full set of lounges. Long-haul passengers in Business can use the SWISS Business Lounge (E), while First Class travelers get the SWISS First Lounge (E). Top-tier Miles & More members and Star Alliance Gold members can use the SWISS Senator Lounge (E). There are matching lounges in the A area. Check your gate before you choose.
In Bengaluru, SWISS has not said which lounge its premium passengers will use. Lounge Frog lists the Air India Maharaja Lounge as open to Star Alliance lounge access. Priority Pass members can head to the 080 International Lounge, which has a full bar and showers.
With a departure before 5 a.m., the Bengaluru lounge matters more than usual. Plan to arrive in the middle of the night, and give yourself time for a shower and a meal before boarding.
See our Bengaluru airport guide and Zurich airport guide for every lounge and who can get in.
