Freezing rain disrupts airports and transport in Central Europe
Central Europe experienced a complete standstill in air and land transport on Tuesday morning following a severe wave of freezing rain that struck several countries, most notably Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary. These harsh weather conditions led to the suspension of flights and the cancellation of numerous train services, causing widespread disruption for thousands of travelers.
Flight operations in Vienna suspended and routes diverted
In Austria, authorities at Vienna International Airport were forced to temporarily suspend flights due to a thick layer of ice accumulating on the runways, making takeoffs and landings hazardous. Airport management reported that incoming flights were diverted to alternative airports in neighboring countries and nearby cities, including Munich, Frankfurt, and Cologne in Germany, as well as Venice in Italy.
In a statement to the Austrian Press Agency, airport spokesperson Peter Kleiman explained that technical teams were working around the clock to clear the ice, anticipating continued disruptions for several hours until visibility improved and the runways were ready. Meanwhile, Austrian Railways urged passengers to postpone non-essential travel, announcing a series of cancellations and delays in train services to ensure passenger safety.
Widespread unrest in the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary
Neighboring countries were not spared from this polar wave; in the Czech Republic, traffic was paralyzed on most highways and railways. Prague Airport experienced a near-total shutdown as firefighting and logistics teams worked to de-ic the runways and aircraft.
In Slovakia, Bratislava Airport was closed until midday, while police issued urgent warnings via social media urging citizens to avoid traveling by road, especially in the west of the country, due to the high risk of slippery conditions. Hungary also joined the list of affected countries, with the meteorological service issuing warnings of continued freezing rain, which disrupted flight schedules and train services.
Climate context and logistical challenges
Freezing rain is one of the most dangerous weather phenomena for air traffic. It occurs when liquid raindrops freeze upon contact with cold surfaces such as aircraft wings and airport runways. Historically, Central Europe has experienced harsh winters, but climate change in recent years has made predicting the severity of these storms more complex, posing additional challenges to transport infrastructure.
Economic impacts and public safety
The effects of this event extend beyond the immediate disruption to travelers. The closure of major airports like Vienna and Prague has a domino effect on the European and international air network, causing delays to connecting and cargo flights. European civil aviation authorities are prioritizing safety, enforcing strict protocols that prohibit any aircraft from taking off without a thorough check that its airframe is completely free of ice, which could impede airflow and affect the aircraft's stability. This explains the lengthy groundings, which can last for hours.
