Adverse weather conditions caused widespread travel disruption across Central Europe on Tuesday, January 13th, forcing temporary airport closures, flight cancellations, and delays to rail services in several countries. The severe cold follows a week of snow, freezing temperatures, and strong winds that have already caused major disruption across the continent.
At Vienna International Airport, a thick layer of ice formed on runways, prompting a temporary suspension of flights. Airport authorities said operations gradually resumed around midday. Austria’s state railway operator, ÖBB, urged passengers to postpone non-essential travel, warning of cancellations and delays on multiple routes.
In neighbouring Slovakia, Bratislava Airport was also closed for several hours early Tuesday due to icy conditions. Slovak police issued public warnings on social media, advising people to avoid travel in western parts of the country because of “extreme” ice and snow.
The Czech Republic was similarly affected, with ice hampering both road and rail traffic. Prague Airport experienced major disruption, with firefighters deployed to de-ice runways. According to Prague emergency services, around 50 people required medical treatment for injuries linked to the icy conditions.
In Hungary, severe winter weather led to the closure of Budapest’s airport, which cited “black ice and extreme icing” as the cause. Earlier in the day, an Ethiopian Airlines cargo aircraft slid off a runway while taxiing and came to a stop on grass.
Authorities also reported drift ice on the Danube and Tisza rivers, placing icebreakers on alert. Lake Balaton has frozen over, a relatively rare event occurring roughly once every ten to fifteen years, though officials warned the ice remains too thin for public use.
