A fast-moving winter storm swept across Germany, Austria and parts of Switzerland on Sunday, bringing heavy snow, freezing rain and gale-force gusts that snarled air, rail and road travel across the region.

From early morning through the afternoon, Frankfurt, Munich, Vienna and Zurich airports all reported significant disruption as runways were cleared, aircraft de-iced and crews struggled to operate safely in rapidly deteriorating conditions.

More News:

Airports Struggle As Snow And Ice Cut Capacity

At Frankfurt Airport, Germany’s busiest hub, snowfall combined with sleet and poor visibility forced operators to limit movements as ploughs and de-icing teams worked continuously on the runways and taxiways.

Airport officials said more than a hundred flights were cancelled over the course of the day, a sizable share of the more than one thousand departures and arrivals originally scheduled. The reduced capacity created rolling delays across the network, particularly for short-haul links around central Europe.

Munich, a key gateway for southern Germany and the Alpine region, was hit even harder. Heavy, wet snow piled up on aircraft and ground equipment, while patches of freezing rain turned parts of the apron into sheets of ice.

Airport authorities activated low-visibility procedures and temporarily closed runways for snow clearance and friction checks, prompting airlines to pre-emptively cancel dozens of flights. Some carriers warned passengers on Saturday evening that Sunday’s schedule would be “severely curtailed” as a safety measure.

In Zurich, air traffic was also heavily affected after snow and freezing rain swept across the Swiss Plateau from Saturday evening into Sunday morning. Airport operations managers reported that more than 50 flights had to be cancelled, with many more delayed, as slush was scraped from runways and taxiways and aircraft queued for de-icing.

The combination of ice buildup on wings and fluctuating temperatures made conditions particularly challenging for ground crews working through the night.

Staffing and equipment constraints amplified the impact of the storm. Several aircraft and crews were stranded at outstations after earlier disruptions, leaving airlines without the spare capacity needed to recover quickly once conditions began to improve.

By mid-afternoon, airports were stressing that limitations were driven above all by safety requirements: de-icing takes the time it takes, and runway clearing cannot be rushed when freezing rain continues to fall.

Frankfurt And Munich Become Bottlenecks For European Travel

The dual disruption at Frankfurt and Munich, Germany’s primary long-haul and southern hubs, reverberated across Europe’s air traffic system. Carriers based elsewhere on the continent reported knock-on delays as aircraft waiting for slots into or out of the two German airports fell increasingly behind schedule.

Passengers connecting through Frankfurt found themselves facing tight or missed connections, even on flights that ultimately departed, as ground handlers carefully spaced arrivals and departures in line with visibility limits.

In Munich, the timing of the storm proved especially problematic. Arriving at the start of a busy winter travel period, the bad weather hit just as passengers flocked to Christmas markets and early ski trips in Bavaria and the Alps.

Airlines operating from Munich trimmed rotations not only to Germany’s domestic network but also to nearby capitals, including Vienna and Zurich, to free scarce runway slots and keep at least part of their long-haul and trunk schedules intact.

Travel advocates noted that winter-weather disruption at the German hubs increasingly affects wider corporate travel planning. Companies with staff criss-crossing central Europe for year-end meetings have grown more cautious about relying on tight connections through Frankfurt or Munich when storms are in the forecast.

Mobility managers were advising employees to build in additional buffer time, fly earlier in the day and, where possible, use direct services to their destinations instead of changing planes in weather-sensitive hubs.

By the afternoon, airport and airline representatives were urging passengers not to head to the airport without checking their flight status first. Social media feeds and call centers were flooded with queries from travelers who discovered overnight that their flights had been removed from the schedule as a preventive measure, while others arrived at departure halls to find “delayed” boards stretching to multiple hours because of de-icing queues.

Vienna And Zurich Face Downstream Disruptions

While Vienna International Airport escaped the heaviest snowfall, it still experienced substantial disruption as the storm system moved eastward and as cancellations in Germany cascaded into its own schedule.

Low cloud, gusting winds and intermittent freezing rain forced controllers to increase the separation between arrivals and departures, cutting the number of movements per hour. Ground handlers switched into so-called weather programs that prioritize safety on slick aprons, further slowing the pace of operations.

Flights connecting Vienna to major hubs such as Frankfurt and Munich were particularly vulnerable. As airlines curtailed services on the most affected routes, passengers found that even flights that did operate often departed late or arrived without the anticipated onward connections.

Some carriers deliberately thinned their short-haul schedules, especially on intra-Schengen routes, to preserve the integrity of long-haul departures and essential feeder flights for intercontinental services.

In Zurich, the storm’s combination of snow and freezing rain forced a more abrupt operational pullback. After heavy precipitation on Saturday evening, airport authorities recorded dozens of cancellations and diversions, with early Sunday departures also scrubbed as crews and aircraft failed to arrive from previously disrupted flights.

Because freezing rain can cause ice to bond tightly to aircraft surfaces and infrastructure, Zurich’s operations control warned passengers that even modest improvements in the weather would not translate into an immediate return to normal service.

The disruption at Vienna and Zurich had ripple effects for passengers across the continent and beyond. Travelers en route from North America or Asia discovered that they could land close to schedule in central Europe, only to be delayed onward because their short-hop flights into Germany or Austria had been cancelled or severely delayed.

Airlines worked to rebook connecting passengers, but heavy demand on alternative services quickly ate up spare seats, leaving some travelers stranded overnight.

Rail Networks Under Pressure From Snow, Ice And Fallen Trees

As runways and terminals struggled, Europe’s rail networks were also tested by the wintry blast. In southern Germany, Deutsche Bahn reported major disruptions in and around Munich, with some lines suspended due to overhead line damage, fallen trees and snow-packed points.

Long-distance services into the Bavarian capital were halted for periods, and passengers already on board trains were asked to remain in carriages overnight as operators worked to clear routes and restore power.

Regional trains fared no better. In Bavaria and neighboring states, local services were cut back or diverted as branches and ice weighed down catenary lines, and fresh snow repeatedly obscured switches.

Transport authorities warned commuters and leisure travelers that delays of an hour or more were likely, even where trains remained nominally in service, and urged people to postpone non-essential journeys until clearing crews could safely reach the most affected stretches of track.

Austria’s national railway, ÖBB, activated its winter response plans on key Alpine corridors, pre-positioning snowplough locomotives and specialist crews on the Arlberg, Tauern and other mountain lines.

As snow totals climbed and avalanche risks rose in Tyrol and Vorarlberg, some branch lines were temporarily closed and replacement buses ordered, though many of those buses themselves struggled against snow-packed roads and convoys on mountain passes.

In Switzerland, already wary after past winters of rail disruption, operators scrambled to protect core services between major cities. Heavy snowfall across the German-speaking cantons led to a wave of delays and cancellations as overhead lines iced up and points froze.

On some urban tram networks, services were cut or suspended for hours as crews worked to clear ice from power lines and verify that routes were safe. Rail officials emphasized that safety remained the top priority and that trains would not run until risks from ice, avalanches or fallen trees were fully assessed.

Highways Closed As Accidents Mount And Avalanche Risk Climbs

The storm’s impact on Europe’s road network was just as severe. In Germany, highway patrols reported hundreds of accidents as drivers grappled with a sudden shift from wet roads to snow-covered and icy surfaces.

Sections of major autobahns were temporarily closed after jackknifed trucks blocked lanes, while local roads in hilly regions became impassable for vehicles without winter tires or chains. Authorities urged motorists to avoid unnecessary travel and to leave extra time and distance if they had to venture out.

Across Austria, motorway operator ASFINAG warned of closures and convoy-style controls on critical Alpine routes, including stretches of the Brenner and Tauern motorways.

As snow accumulated at higher elevations and strong winds whipped up drifts, some passes were closed altogether, and heavy-goods vehicles were temporarily banned from certain corridors to reduce the risk of accidents and stranded trucks. Police checkpoints monitored compliance with winter equipment rules and turned back vehicles deemed unsafe for the conditions.

In Switzerland, the combination of heavy lowland snowfall and deep accumulations in the Alps triggered widespread traffic problems. Cantonal police in several regions reported a sharp spike in collisions, many of them attributed to excessive speed and inadequate following distances given the conditions.

On key intercity arteries, including sections of the A1, long tailbacks developed after multi-vehicle crashes and spin-outs blocked lanes, while access roads to popular ski resorts saw bumper-to-bumper traffic crawling uphill behind snowploughs.

Meteorologists and avalanche services across the region raised their warning levels as new snow piled onto older, sometimes unstable layers. In western Austria, parts of Tyrol and Vorarlberg moved to the second-highest avalanche alert level, with authorities cautioning that off-piste skiing and backcountry touring were particularly dangerous.

Swiss and German Alpine rescue teams similarly urged visitors to stay on open, patrolled slopes and to heed closures of mountain roads and trails while avalanche risk remained elevated.

Travelers Advised To Rebook, Reroute And Build In Extra Time

As the scale of the disruption became clear, airlines and rail operators encouraged travelers to adjust their plans. Major carriers serving Frankfurt, Munich, Vienna and Zurich issued weather waivers allowing passengers to rebook onto later dates or alternative routes without change fees, subject to availability.

Those with flexible tickets were urged to postpone travel by a day or two where possible, while passengers with tight deadlines were told to seek earlier departures or to consider alternative hubs less directly affected by the storm.

Corporate travel managers, responsible for moving thousands of employees across the region, activated contingency plans of their own. Many recommended shifting short-haul journeys from air to rail, particularly on routes such as Munich to Vienna or Frankfurt to Zurich where high-speed services can substitute for flights when airports are struggling.

Others suggested that staff add overnight stops to itineraries to reduce the risk that a missed connection would cause them to miss crucial meetings or events the following day.

Consumer travel experts underlined the importance of checking booking conditions and travel insurance policies. While European regulations offer clear rights to care and assistance during delays and cancellations, cash compensation usually does not apply when disruptions are caused by severe weather rather than airline fault.

Travelers were reminded to keep receipts for hotels, meals and alternative transport, as many insurers will reimburse at least part of these costs if the storm is classified as an extraordinary event affecting public transport.

For those already en route, simple advice often proved the most effective. Operators recommended that passengers download airline and rail apps, sign up for alert services, and monitor local news and weather bulletins for developments.

Travelers were asked to remain patient with frontline staff, who bore the brunt of frustration at airport counters and station desks while working shifts stretched by the storm’s demands.

What Comes Next As The Storm Moves East

Meteorological agencies across Germany, Austria and Switzerland indicated that the most intense phase of the storm would likely pass by late Sunday, but cautioned that lingering effects would continue into the start of the week.

Even after snowfall tapers off, freezing temperatures and residual moisture can turn untreated surfaces into ice, posing fresh challenges for morning commuters and for crews clearing secondary roads and rail yards.

Aviation analysts warned that airline schedules could remain out of sync for several days. With aircraft and crews out of position, carriers must slowly rebuild their rotations, a process that can take time even in perfect weather.

Flights at the beginning and end of the operational day are particularly vulnerable to further cancellations as airlines trim their timetables to regain reliability. Passengers booked on early-morning departures on Monday and Tuesday were advised to watch for updates overnight.

On the rails, operators were preparing for a second wave of potential issues if temperatures dipped further. Frozen points and brittle overhead lines are common hazards after a snowstorm, especially if combined with wind or additional light snowfall.

Maintenance teams scheduled overnight inspections on critical segments, prioritizing dense commuter corridors and international routes that feed cross-border traffic between Germany, Austria, Switzerland and neighboring countries.

Road authorities, too, stressed that conditions could remain treacherous even under clear skies. Black ice on shaded stretches, refreezing meltwater and compacted snow in wheel ruts can all catch drivers unawares long after a storm’s headline-grabbing snowfall has stopped.

Motorists were encouraged to check regional advisories before setting out and to equip vehicles with proper winter tires, chains where required and emergency kits including blankets, water and charged mobile phones.

FAQ

Q1: Are flights still operating at Frankfurt, Munich, Vienna and Zurich airports?
Flight operations have continued at all four airports, but with significantly reduced capacity and frequent delays. Many services have been cancelled or consolidated, so passengers should not assume their flight is running on schedule without checking directly with their airline.

Q2: How far in advance should travelers arrive at the airport during this storm?
Airports and airlines are advising passengers to arrive earlier than usual, often at least three hours before departure for short-haul flights and four hours for long-haul services, to allow extra time for check-in, security, and potential gate changes caused by weather-related disruption.

Q3: Do passengers have a right to compensation when flights are cancelled because of snow and freezing rain?
Under European air passenger regulations, travelers are entitled to care and assistance, such as meals and accommodation, during long delays, but cash compensation typically does not apply when cancellations are caused by extreme weather conditions outside the airline’s control.

Q4: Is rail travel a more reliable option than flying during this storm?
Rail can be a useful alternative on some routes, but it is not immune to disruption. Snow, ice, fallen trees and damaged overhead lines have caused cancellations and delays on several German, Austrian and Swiss routes, so rail passengers should also check schedules before traveling and expect extended journey times.

Q5: Which roads are most affected in Germany, Austria and Switzerland?
The greatest impact has been on major highways and Alpine passes, including sections of German autobahns, Austria’s Brenner and Tauern motorways, and Swiss intercity routes and resort access roads. Authorities have introduced temporary closures, convoy-style controls and truck bans on some stretches for safety.

Q6: How long are the disruptions expected to last?
Meteorologists expect the heaviest snowfall and freezing rain to ease within about 24 hours, but transport operators warn that knock-on effects could persist for several days as aircraft, trains and crews return to position and as roads and rail infrastructure are fully cleared.

Q7: What should travelers do if their flight or train is cancelled?
Passengers should contact their airline or rail operator as soon as possible to arrange rebooking, either via mobile apps, websites or customer service centers. It is advisable to keep all receipts for hotels, meals and alternative transport, as some costs may be recoverable through travel insurance or under carrier policies.

Q8: Is it safe to drive in the affected areas right now?
Authorities are urging motorists to avoid non-essential travel, particularly in regions with heavy snowfall, ice or avalanche risk. Those who must drive should ensure vehicles are properly equipped with winter tires and, where necessary, chains, and should travel slowly, leave extra distance and be prepared for sudden road closures.

Q9: Are ski resorts open despite the storm and avalanche warnings?
Many ski resorts remain open but are operating under heightened safety protocols, with some lifts, slopes or off-piste areas closed due to avalanche danger or access problems. Visitors are advised to follow local guidance, respect closures and stay on marked, patrolled runs.

Q10: What practical steps can travelers take to minimize disruption to their plans?
Experts recommend booking flexible tickets, avoiding tight same-day connections, traveling a day earlier when schedules are critical, monitoring weather and transport alerts, and considering alternative routes or modes of transport if one hub or corridor is particularly affected by the storm.