Freezing rain and a dangerous glaze of ice disrupted air and rail travel across central and eastern Europe on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, forcing airports to suspend operations, divert flights and triggering widespread train delays that left passengers stranded from Vienna to Budapest and Prague. The winter chaos came on the heels of days of heavy snow and subzero temperatures, compounding pressure on transport networks already operating at their limits.

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Airports in Vienna, Budapest, Bratislava and Prague Grind to a Halt

Vienna International Airport, one of central Europe’s busiest hubs, was among the worst hit as a thick, rapidly refreezing layer of ice formed on runways and taxiways early Tuesday. Despite continuous work by winter maintenance crews, de-iced surfaces glazed over again within minutes, prompting authorities to temporarily halt all takeoffs and landings and divert incoming flights to other airports in Germany and Italy.

Airport officials reported that operations could not safely continue because braking distances on the icy surface became unpredictable, while ground vehicles struggled to maneuver between planes. Passengers on inbound flights were rerouted to cities including Munich, Frankfurt, Cologne and Venice, where airlines scrambled to rebook connections and arrange hotel accommodation for those facing overnight delays.

In Budapest, departures and arrivals at Ferenc Liszt International Airport were halted for several hours after freezing rain swept across the Hungarian capital, coating aircraft, boarding bridges and apron areas in a slick sheet of ice. Hungary’s transport minister described the conditions as “extreme icing,” saying all movements had been suspended until de-icing teams and airport operations could restore minimum safety standards.

Bratislava’s international airport in Slovakia and Prague’s Vaclav Havel Airport in the Czech Republic also sharply curtailed operations. Bratislava temporarily closed altogether during the worst of the icy spell, while Prague switched to what officials described as a “very limited mode,” restricting landings, delaying departures and urging travelers to check flight status before heading to the airport.

Flights Diverted Across the Continent as Airlines Struggle to Cope

The sudden shutdowns in central Europe had knock-on effects across the wider aviation network. At Vienna, where early morning banks of flights typically connect eastern Europe to major long-haul routes, airlines diverted dozens of aircraft mid-flight rather than risk landing on runways covered in what pilots often call “black ice” – a near-invisible film that can severely reduce friction.

Carriers reported that some passengers heading to Vienna were rebooked through alternative hubs such as Frankfurt, Zurich and Milan. Others were left waiting in crowded terminals as ground staff tried to untangle complex rosters, reassign aircraft and crews, and manage mandatory rest periods disrupted by diversions. For many travelers, rebooking meant lengthy detours and arrival at destinations a full day later than planned.

In Budapest, several flights scheduled to operate during the morning closure were canceled outright once it became clear the weather would not improve quickly. Airlines prioritized long-haul and essential regional connections once the airport began to reopen around mid-day, leaving some short-haul services postponed or consolidated. Passengers reported queues at service desks extending through terminal halls as they sought new itineraries, meal vouchers and updated information.

Smaller regional airports and carriers were also affected as aircraft scheduled to position through Vienna, Prague or Budapest became stuck out of place. This “knock-on” disruption meant that even destinations not directly under the freezing rain band, particularly in neighboring Germany and Italy, experienced delays as they waited for planes and crews to arrive from the affected zone.

Rail Networks Slow Under Ice, Snow and Power Problems

As airports struggled, trains across Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary also ran into major difficulties. Austria’s national railway operator warned of extensive delays on lines in the north and east of the country, including around Vienna, citing frozen switches, ice-encrusted overhead power lines and reduced speeds imposed for safety reasons. Passengers were advised to postpone non-essential journeys where possible and allow significantly longer travel times.

On key cross-border routes linking Vienna with Prague, Bratislava and Budapest, services were thinned out or subject to delays lasting well over an hour. The combination of icy rails and a backlog of freight traffic from earlier snowstorms reduced capacity on already busy corridors, complicating efforts to prioritize international passenger trains. Some regional services were replaced by buses, though road conditions limited the effectiveness of this alternative.

In the Czech Republic, rail operators reported canceled trains and bottlenecks around Prague’s main station as icy conditions slowed arrivals from outlying regions. Passengers described platforms crowded with travelers awaiting updated departure times, with station announcements frequently warning of “indefinite delays” as traffic controllers worked to keep at least a skeleton timetable running.

Hungary’s capital Budapest, which had already been struggling with disruptions following heavy snowfall the previous week, saw further strain on its urban rail and tram systems. Ice buildup on power lines and tracks forced some trams and suburban rail lines to suspend service, funneling more commuters and travelers onto already congested roads and metro lines.

Roads, Buses and Urban Transit Also Hit by Treacherous Ice

The impact of the freezing rain extended well beyond airports and intercity rail lines. Across central and eastern Europe, road authorities reported a spike in accidents as drivers encountered suddenly slick highways that looked wet but were in fact coated in a nearly invisible layer of ice. Police in Slovakia and the Czech Republic issued urgent appeals on social media, warning motorists to avoid non-essential travel, particularly in low-lying areas where cold air pooled and icing was most severe.

Major motorways linking Prague and Dresden, Vienna and Bratislava, and Budapest with western Hungary experienced long tailbacks where trucks jackknifed or cars slid into barriers. In the Czech Republic, authorities briefly closed a key highway leading into Germany following accidents on the German side of the border, further complicating cross-border freight and passenger traffic.

Inside the cities, public transport systems fought their own battles with the ice. In Budapest, tram services on certain lines were disrupted as frozen overhead cables and tracks made safe operation impossible. Municipal transit agencies deployed specialized de-icing vehicles and sanding crews, but reported that conditions could change within minutes as fresh freezing rain fell on surfaces that had just been treated.

Pedestrians in Vienna, Prague and Bratislava faced hazardous sidewalks and station approaches, with emergency services responding to a rise in slips and falls. Some local authorities opened temporary warming centers near major transport hubs to offer shelter to travelers caught in long delays, while volunteers distributed hot drinks and blankets to those waiting outside bus and train stations.

Travelers Face Long Delays, Missed Connections and Uncertain Plans

For travelers, the weather’s toll translated into missed connections, disrupted holidays and, in many cases, a complete reshaping of itineraries. At Vienna’s airport, passengers reported spending hours on aircraft that had landed but could not reach gates due to the icy apron, or waiting in terminals as departure boards filled with the word “delayed.” Some international visitors heading to Austrian ski resorts or to cultural breaks in the capital found themselves diverted to other countries and relying on trains or buses to complete their journey.

In Prague, tourists arriving from Asia and the Middle East had onward flights to other European cities canceled or rescheduled, forcing them to queue for rebooking and accommodation. Hotels near the airport and main railway station reported a surge in last-minute bookings, while platforms and arrival halls became makeshift waiting areas for those unable to secure a room.

Rail passengers across the region shared stories of overnight journeys that stretched into daylong odysseys, as trains stopped intermittently to allow de-icing of equipment, checks on power lines, or to give way to late-running international services. Families traveling with children and older passengers were particularly affected, with rail operators and station staff distributing bottled water, snacks and blankets where supplies were available.

Some travelers abandoned their plans altogether, opting instead to return home or postpone trips. Travel agencies and booking platforms reported a spike in customer contacts seeking refunds or rebooking options, particularly from passengers whose itineraries involved connections through multiple affected hubs. Others, unable to change nonrefundable tickets, resigned themselves to extended layovers and rapidly revised sightseeing plans focused on whatever city they happened to be stranded in.

Weather Pattern Behind the Icy Onslaught

Meteorologists in the region said the severe icing episode resulted from a classic but dangerous winter setup: a layer of warm air higher in the atmosphere riding over entrenched subfreezing air at ground level. Snowflakes falling through the warm layer melted into rain, then became supercooled as they reentered the cold air just above the surface, freezing instantly on contact with roads, runways, buildings and power infrastructure.

This type of freezing rain is particularly challenging for transport systems because it can accumulate quickly and is harder to manage than dry snow. While plows can clear snow relatively effectively, a rain-induced glaze of ice often requires repeated cycles of chemical treatment, sanding and mechanical breaking. Even then, fresh precipitation can undo hours of work in a short time, especially when temperatures hover around the freezing point.

The icing event came on the heels of earlier winter storms that brought heavy snow and strong winds to parts of western and central Europe in early January, already stretching airport and railway resources. Crews that had spent days dealing with deep snow now found themselves contending with a different hazard, forcing operators to reallocate equipment, adjust schedules and, in some cases, accept that temporary closures were the only safe option.

National meteorological services across Austria, Hungary and neighboring states extended weather warnings through Tuesday and into Wednesday, cautioning that further freezing rain, snow showers and subzero night-time temperatures could prolong difficult conditions for travelers. Authorities urged residents and visitors alike to closely monitor local forecasts and transport updates before setting out.

Advice and Outlook for Travelers in the Coming Days

Transport authorities and travel experts stressed that anyone planning to move through central and eastern Europe over the next 24 to 48 hours should be prepared for ongoing disruption. Airlines advised passengers to check flight status frequently, use mobile apps for real-time updates, and allow extra time to reach airports in case of road delays. Many carriers have issued flexible rebooking policies, enabling travelers to move trips by a day or two without penalty where seats are available.

Rail operators recommended that non-essential journeys be postponed and that travelers who must ride trains maintain flexible connections, particularly when transferring between different national networks. Purchasing tickets with seat reservations and building in generous transfer windows between trains could reduce the risk of becoming stranded mid-route. For cross-border services, officials warned that conditions may vary significantly from one country to another, meaning that a train leaving on time may still encounter lengthy delays en route.

For those already on the move, packing extra warm clothing, food and water, portable phone chargers and essential medications has become more than just prudent advice. With the possibility of extended waits in cold stations or airport terminals, travelers were urged to think of their journeys in winter-storm terms rather than as routine trips. Local tourism boards and city authorities highlighted that many museums, cultural sites and shopping centers near major hubs remain open, offering ways to make use of unexpected stopovers once immediate transport issues are resolved.

Meteorologists indicated that while the most intense freezing rain was likely to ease by mid-week, lingering cold and the potential for further light precipitation would keep surfaces slippery and operations fragile. Transport operators across central and eastern Europe are expected to spend several days restoring schedules, repositioning aircraft and rolling stock, and working through backlogs of displaced passengers. For many travelers, patience, flexibility and close attention to updates will be essential tools as the region digs out from yet another bout of severe winter weather.