Copenhagen Airport Manager Defends BER Amid Disruptions Caused by Freezing Rain

Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) recently faced significant operational disruptions due to severe freezing rain, resulting in a complete halt of flight operations for approximately 16 hours. The event stranded numerous passengers in the terminal and drew attention across the aviation sector, prompting discussions on how airports manage extreme winter weather.

During the conclusion of the winter holiday season, BER was compelled to suspend all flight activities as a precautionary measure against hazardous icy conditions. The suspension, which left travelers waiting for their flights without clear timelines, raised questions regarding the management of such weather-induced incidents and the feasibility of maintaining airport operations under these circumstances.

In response to the incident, a senior operations manager from Copenhagen Airport shared insights into the challenges posed by freezing rain for airports across Europe. Although Copenhagen Airport, located roughly one hour's flight north of Berlin, has considerable experience dealing with heavy snowfall and frost, the manager noted that freezing rain presents an even greater challenge than snow. The complexity arises because freezing rain not only coats runways and taxiways with a dangerous layer of ice, but also significantly increases the time and resources needed for de-icing aircraft and clearing airport surfaces.

Despite recent heavy snowfall in Copenhagen--the heaviest in 16 years--flight operations continued, albeit with delays and cancellations. However, the manager emphasized that freezing rain represents a far more severe hazard. While snow removal from runways can be managed relatively efficiently, ice from freezing rain is much harder to eliminate, potentially requiring extended closures or severely reduced airport capacity. Even with intensive efforts, the safety of passengers, crew, and ground staff remains the highest priority, often necessitating difficult decisions about suspending operations.

According to the Copenhagen Airport manager, clearing a runway after heavy snow typically takes around 13 minutes, but freezing rain would require much more time and a higher level of coordination. The additional demands of de-icing aircraft further complicate recovery efforts, as prolonged treatment times for each plane create a backlog and extend delays across all flight schedules. The compounded effects make it extremely challenging for any airport to maintain normal operations during periods of extensive freezing rain.

Regarding alternative strategies, the manager highlighted that every airport must assess its unique circumstances, equipment, and capacity when responding to such weather events. The decision to suspend operations is never taken lightly and is always based on comprehensive safety considerations. The manager acknowledged that while Copenhagen Airport has not experienced a complete shutdown due to freezing rain, such a scenario could occur if similar severe conditions were to develop. The unpredictability and severity of freezing rain make it one of the most disruptive weather phenomena for the aviation industry.

The situation at BER has drawn attention to the broader challenges airports face in maintaining reliable service during extreme winter conditions. Industry experts agree that transparent communication, advanced planning, and robust de-icing infrastructure are essential, but even the best preparations can be tested by extraordinary weather events. The recent events underscore the importance of prioritizing passenger safety, even if it means temporary disruptions to travel plans.

As winter weather patterns become increasingly unpredictable, airports across Europe continue to invest in improved de-icing technology, staff training, and contingency protocols. The incident at BER serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in airport operations and the critical need for flexibility when confronting nature's most severe challenges.