Flight Operations Resume at Berlin Airport After Ice Storm, Delays and Cancellations Continue

Following severe icy weather conditions, air traffic at Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) has gradually resumed, though significant flight delays and cancellations persist. The airport was forced to halt departures and arrivals after freezing rain rendered runways and taxiways dangerously slippery, causing widespread disruption for airlines and passengers.

Airport authorities reported that flight operations restarted around midday, with the first aircraft departing for Amsterdam. Despite the resumption, de-icing procedures on aircraft have been taking considerably longer than usual--sometimes up to an hour--due to ongoing freezing conditions, contributing to the backlog.

Passengers experienced extensive waiting times inside the terminal, with many seeking information from airline staff and digital channels. Communication challenges were noted as travelers reported difficulties obtaining timely updates regarding their flights, especially during a period when the airport's website offered only limited functionality. App-based notifications were more reliable for some, but uncertainty about rebookings and departures remained high.

The adverse weather led to the cancellation of dozens of flights, with some travelers resorting to alternative arrangements such as train journeys to other cities to secure outbound flights. The airport's ground teams worked continuously overnight to combat the ice, but persistent freezing rain caused new ice layers to form rapidly, complicating efforts to clear surfaces and ensure safe operations.

Airlines were responsible for decisions on flight cancellations, and passengers were advised to check directly with their carriers for the latest updates. The airport emphasized the importance of monitoring flight status, as schedules were expected to remain volatile with further delays and cancellations likely throughout the day.

Queues formed at the Deutsche Bahn travel center in the terminal as stranded passengers explored train options. Others remained unaware of the extent of the disruption until arriving at the airport, reflecting the variability in communication effectiveness.

Aviation safety experts highlighted that icy conditions present critical risks at airports. Runways and taxiways must be free of ice to allow safe aircraft movement, and when surfaces are not sufficiently clear, flight operations cannot proceed. Not only is takeoff and landing affected, but ground support vehicles are also unable to operate safely, resulting in a full suspension of activities until conditions improve.

While snow can be managed through standard clearing procedures, freezing rain poses unique challenges due to the rapid formation of hard ice, requiring repeated assessments and de-icing efforts. The safety of passengers and airport personnel remains the highest priority during such events.

The disruption began the previous day, with initial cancellations and delays as the freezing rain arrived. As efforts continued into the following morning, the operational backlog grew, stranding many travelers and forcing airlines to adjust or cancel schedules. Although flight operations are now gradually ramping up, the impact of the disruption is expected to be felt for several days as the airport and airlines work through the resulting delays and rebooking challenges.

Travelers are urged to continue monitoring their bookings and seek updates from airlines as the situation evolves.