Major airports across Central Europe have been forced to suspend operations and cancel flights following an outbreak of severe and dangerous icy conditions. The extreme weather, characterised by 'black ice' and freezing rain, has created hazardous conditions on runways, leading to widespread travel disruption for passengers.
Airports Halt Operations for Safety
The most significant closure was announced by Budapest's Ferenc Liszt International Airport. Authorities stated that from 10:25 am local time (09:25 GMT) on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, the airport would temporarily cease all arrivals and departures. The decision was made due to what officials described as 'extreme' icing and the presence of treacherous black ice on surfaces.
In a social media update, the airport operator directly cited safety as the paramount reason for the shutdown, urging travellers to monitor its online channels for further developments. The severe conditions followed a period of heavy rain which rapidly froze on contact with cold ground and infrastructure.
Widespread Disruption Across the Region
The travel chaos was not confined to Hungary. Neighbouring nations experienced similar severe problems. In Austria, Vienna International Airport was critically affected. A thick layer of ice repeatedly reformed on runways despite clearance efforts, ultimately forcing the diversion of incoming flights earlier in the day.
Similarly, the Czech Republic's Prague Airport confirmed it was operating in a 'very limited mode'. Officials warned passengers to expect significant delays throughout the day as staff battled to de-ice the primary runway, with restrictions placed on arriving aircraft.
Airports in the Slovakian capital of Bratislava also reported major impacts from the same severe weather front, compounding the regional transport crisis.
Passengers Face Ongoing Uncertainty
The combined effect of these closures has created a ripple of cancellations and delays across European air travel networks. The key issues for aviation authorities are:
- The immediate danger of black ice, which is difficult to see and makes surfaces extremely slippery.
- The persistence of freezing rain, which coats surfaces in a clear, hard glaze of ice.
- The operational challenge of de-icing critical infrastructure like runways and taxiways faster than new ice can form.
With airports providing limited operational updates, passengers are advised to contact their airlines directly for specific flight information before travelling to terminals. The situation remains fluid, and further disruptions are possible as meteorologists monitor the continuing icy conditions.
