Major travel hubs across Central Europe have been brought to a standstill after severe icy weather forced the temporary closure of three key airports.
Airports Grounded by Freezing Conditions
On the morning of Tuesday, 13th January 2026, airports in the capital cities of Hungary, Slovakia, and Austria were compelled to cease operations. Budapest Airport, Bratislava Airport, and Vienna Airport all implemented shutdowns as a safety precaution against hazardous conditions. The primary cause was the formation of treacherous black ice on runways and taxiways, creating an unacceptable risk for aircraft movements.
Timeline of the Disruptions
The disruptions began with an announcement from Budapest Airport. The hub stated on its official Facebook page that it would suspend all arriving and departing flights from 10:25 am local time (09:25 GMT). This decision was taken proactively to deal with the dangerous layer of black ice that had formed. While the closures were described as "brief," they caused immediate and widespread cancellation and delay notices for passengers. The knock-on effect of these simultaneous closures in three neighbouring countries is expected to cause significant European travel disruption throughout the day.
Ongoing Impact for Travellers
Passengers booked on flights to or from these affected airports are being urged to contact their airlines directly for the latest information on their specific travel plans. The incident highlights the vulnerability of winter travel networks to sudden severe weather events. Airport authorities have indicated that teams are working to clear and grit the surfaces, but safety remains the absolute priority. Travellers across the continent are advised to check their flight status frequently and allow extra time for journeys to airports, as road conditions in the regions are also likely to be difficult.
This developing situation serves as a stark reminder of how quickly winter conditions can impact international travel, grounding aircraft and stranding passengers during the busy January period.
