The "unique" logo is to disappear from the control tower at Zurich airport, a year after Switzerland's largest flight hub changed its name. The name change, introduced when the airport became a limited company, had attracted widespread criticism.

As of Tuesday, "Unique Zurich Airport" will revert to its original name of Zurich Airport, although the company, which runs the hub at Kloten, will retain the "Unique" name, according to airport spokesman Peter Gutknecht.

The airport in Zurich is in the process of a massive expansion programme. The company plans to create over the next three years more capacity for airplanes, passengers and stores. The expansion project is expected to cost about SFr2.6 billion ($1.5 billion).

The heart of the modernisation is the Dock Midfield, a new terminal, situated between the runways. The opening is planned for the end of 2002.

Zurich Airport is facing turbulent times ahead, after the Swiss government was forced last month to agree to reduce the number of flights crossing over southern Germany. German residents living under one of the airport's main flight paths had complained about noise pollution caused by planes flying into Zurich.

Under the compromise reached between the Swiss and German transport ministers, flights over southern Germany will be reduced by 35 per cent, from the current annual figure of nearly 150,000 to 100,000. The measure will take effect in 41 months' time.

Night flights over German territory between 2200 and 0600 will also be banned from September 1, and a reduction in flights on weekends and bank holidays is to be phased in by autumn 2002.

Swissair, which is based at Zurich airport, said the agreement would lead to a drop in the number of planes using the airport, as well as scheduling difficulties at weekends, and further delays.

swissinfo with agencies

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