Severe winter weather caused major travel disruptions across central and eastern Europe on Tuesday. Freezing rain, snow, and icy conditions forced airport closures, flight delays, and widespread interruptions to rail and public transport networks. Authorities across several countries urged caution as hazardous conditions affected both air and ground travel.
Airport Closures and Flight Delays
Airports in the Czech Republic, Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary were among the hardest hit. Flights to and from Vienna International Airport were temporarily halted, while Prague’s Vaclav Havel Airport restricted arrivals. Slovakia’s main international airport closed for several hours due to unsafe conditions. In Budapest, all departures and arrivals were suspended as freezing rain caused extreme icing on runways.
Diversions and Gradual Resumption
Incoming flights to Vienna were diverted to alternative airports, including Munich, Frankfurt, Cologne, and Venice. Airport officials reported that while operations were disrupted during the early hours, services began to resume gradually by late morning, though delays continued throughout the day.
Public Transport and Rail Disruptions
The cold snap also severely affected public transport systems. In Budapest, tram services were disrupted by ice accumulation following heavy snowfall last week. Rail travel across the region was impacted, with numerous national and international trains canceled or delayed. Austria’s national railway operator warned of continued delays, particularly in northern and eastern regions, and advised passengers to postpone non-essential travel.
Road Conditions and Regional Impact
Icy roads caused additional challenges, including the closure of the D8 highway between the Czech Republic and Germany following an accident on the German side. Parts of eastern Germany reported dangerous driving conditions. In Romania, prolonged snowfall combined with plunging temperatures led some schools to move classes online as forecasts predicted lows reaching minus 13 degrees Celsius.
Weather Forecast and Ongoing Risks
Meteorological authorities warned that significant snowfall was expected in eastern Hungary, while rain and freezing rain were likely in western regions. Officials across the region cautioned that travel disruptions could continue as winter weather patterns persist.
Conclusion
The widespread impact of freezing rain and snow highlighted the vulnerability of transport infrastructure to extreme winter conditions. With weather forecasts predicting continued instability, authorities and transport operators emphasized caution, flexibility, and preparedness for travelers across central and eastern Europe.
