Icy Conditions Cause Major Disruptions at Berlin Airport and Public Transport

Severe winter weather led to widespread disruptions across Berlin and Brandenburg as freezing rain and icy conditions affected both air and ground transportation. Early in the morning, operations at Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) were temporarily halted due to rapid ice accumulation caused by freezing rain. Flights were unable to depart as aircraft required extensive de-icing, resulting in significant delays and cancellations throughout the day. Airport officials reported that de-icing procedures were taking up to an hour per plane, far longer than usual, with travelers advised to prepare for ongoing delays and possible flight cancellations.

The challenging weather also impacted public transport systems. In Berlin, icy conditions on overhead rail lines caused interruptions on above-ground segments of the U2 and U3 subway lines, limiting or entirely suspending service for several hours. In southern Brandenburg, local transport services were largely brought to a standstill, though some bus and train routes in Cottbus remained operational. Regional and long-distance train services between Berlin and Hannover experienced delays and cancellations, though rail authorities noted that the overall situation was less severe than on the previous day. Nevertheless, issues persisted across several regional routes within Brandenburg.

To ensure the continued operation of essential infrastructure, icebreakers were deployed on waterways in the Berlin and Brandenburg region. These vessels played a crucial role in keeping shipping lanes open for freight traffic, including the delivery of fuel to heating plants. Authorities reported ice thickness of up to 20 centimeters in certain areas, making the work of icebreakers especially critical during the cold snap.

Despite hazardous road conditions, the region managed to avoid major traffic accidents. Police in Brandenburg recorded a number of minor collisions attributed to slippery surfaces, with most incidents resulting in property damage rather than injuries. In Berlin, police were notified of over 40 traffic accidents during the early morning hours, a slight increase compared to typical figures, but still manageable given the adverse conditions.

The winter weather also affected public spaces, with several parks managed by the Prussian Palaces and Gardens Foundation in Berlin and Potsdam temporarily closed to visitors due to the risk of slipping. The foundation advised the public to expect significant disruptions to mobility across all forms of transport and public spaces until conditions improved.

These incidents followed several weeks of weather-related challenges for public transit in Berlin. Previous episodes of freezing rain had caused tram overhead lines to become encased in ice, leading to partial or complete suspension of tram services operated by the Berlin Transport Authority (BVG) for extended periods.

The German Weather Service maintained its severe weather warnings for Berlin and much of Brandenburg, cautioning residents of continued risks from icy surfaces and freezing precipitation through the night. Temperatures were forecasted to remain below freezing, with some moderation expected towards the weekend. Authorities urged all travelers and commuters to exercise caution and to allow extra time for their journeys while the hazardous conditions persisted.