Brussels, 11/06/2003 (Agence Europe) - Switzerland has lodged an appeal against Germany at the European Commission over alleged unilateral restrictions on flights landing at Zurich-Kloten airport, asking the Commission to investigate whether the measures in question violate the bilateral EU-Swiss aviation agreement. Following the Swiss parliament's failure to ratify the bilateral air agreement between Switzerland and Germany, Berlin decided to substantially reduce the number of planes heading for Zurich which can fly over Germany to protect local inhabitants from noise pollution. All flights to the airport flying over Germany were banned on 17 April but in practice "technical" exceptions are allowed. This means no large transporter planes may land at Zurich any more. In a press release, Switzerland says the restrictions violate the bilateral air transport agreement to the detriment of Swissair, Zurich airport and Switzerland's economic position.