Air travel across parts of Europe descended into chaos on Tuesday morning as a severe bout of icy weather forced several major airports to close their runways.
Major Hubs Grind to a Halt
Airports in the capitals of Hungary, Slovakia, and Austria were all compelled to enact temporary closures due to hazardous conditions. The issues began in the early hours of Tuesday, 13 January 2026, as freezing rain coated runways in a dangerous layer of ice.
Vienna Airport faced particularly acute problems. A spokesperson explained that a thick sheet of ice had formed on the runways and, despite concerted efforts to clear it, the surface kept refreezing. This persistent issue led to the decision to suspend all operations temporarily.
Widespread Operational Disruption
The impact was felt far beyond the shuttered terminals. Flights destined for the affected airports were being diverted to alternative locations, causing a ripple effect of delays and cancellations across the continent's flight network.
Prague Airport in the Czech Republic managed to avoid a full closure but was operating in what it described on its X (formerly Twitter) account as a "very limited mode." The airport authority stated that arrivals were being restricted while crews worked to de-ice the main runway, warning passengers to expect significant delays throughout the day.
Recovery Efforts Underway
By mid-morning, there were signs of recovery. Authorities at both Vienna and Bratislava airports indicated they were due to reopen, though operations were expected to remain disrupted for several hours as they worked through the backlog of affected flights.
The sudden flight disruption serves as a stark reminder of winter's impact on European transport infrastructure. Passengers are advised to check directly with their airlines for the latest information on specific services before travelling to any airport in the region.
