Flight Disruptions at Major German Airports Due to Severe Winter Weather
Severe winter weather has caused significant disruptions to air travel at three of Germany's busiest airports: Munich, Frankfurt, and Stuttgart. The inclement weather has been characterized by freezing rain and the formation of black ice, which have prompted authorities to issue warnings for travelers.
On January 5th, both Munich and Frankfurt airports announced that flight operations would be severely affected, particularly in the morning hours. Munich Airport reported potential cancellations and delays, urging passengers to check the status of their flights prior to arriving at the airport.
Frankfurt Airport, another major hub, confirmed that various flights were canceled, including routes to popular European cities such as Paris, Venice, and Prague. Out of approximately 1,090 scheduled take-offs and landings for the day, around 120 flights were scrapped, according to a spokesperson from the airport operator, Fraport.
Stuttgart Airport also faced challenges, experiencing delays due to the adverse weather conditions. While the runway has been cleared for operations, it was reported that some aircraft required de-icing before they could take off, adding to the delay times.
Visibility issues arising from snowfall further complicated air traffic, as longer intervals between take-offs and landings were necessary. At Munich Airport, one runway remained operational while efforts were made to clear another.
In addition to air travel disruptions, the German rail operator Deutsche Bahn (DB) indicated that train services, particularly long-distance routes, were also impacted. Passengers faced lengthy delays and, in some cases, outright cancellations of their journeys. However, by late morning, DB reported that train services were beginning to normalize, with delays of up to 30 minutes and partial cancellations still in effect.
The German weather service has issued alerts highlighting the severity of the weather, particularly in Bavaria, where the potential for hazardous conditions remains high. Travelers are advised to stay informed about both flight and train statuses as they prepare for their journeys.
