Several airports in Europe have been forced to close and suspend flights after severe icy weather swept across the continent. Budapest Airport announced it would not be receiving or launching flights from 10.25am local time (9.25am GMT) due to heavy rain and 'extreme' black ice. In a statement on Facebook, airport operators said the decision was made for safety reasons, with updates promised on developments.
Freezing conditions also affected airports in Prague, Vienna and Bratislava. Vienna International Airport experienced a thick layer of ice that kept refreezing despite clearance efforts, forcing flight diversions. It resumed departures from 11am local time but arrivals only from noon. Prague Airport operated in 'very limited mode', with firefighters de-icing runways and around 50 people treated for injuries due to icy conditions, according to local emergency services. Bratislava Airport was closed early on Tuesday due to the weather.
Ground transport was also severely disrupted. Austria's state railway company OeBB urged travellers to postpone non-urgent journeys, with numerous trains cancelled or delayed. In Hungary, authorities reported drift ice on the Danube and Tisza rivers, placing icebreakers on alert. Lake Balaton, which freezes only once every ten to fifteen years, is currently frozen but authorities warned the ice is too thin for skating. Slovak police advised avoiding travel due to 'extreme' ice and snow in the west of the country.
Passengers affected by flight cancellations or delays are advised to check their rights. Under UK and EU regulations, airlines must provide meals, accommodation, and alternative flights as appropriate, with eligibility depending on flight distance and delay length. Travellers should keep receipts for any expenses and claim them back from the airline.
