A dangerous layer of ice on runways and taxiways prompted authorities to completely shut down Vienna International Airport on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. The extreme winter conditions also led to significant flight cancellations and delays at Prague's airport, creating travel chaos across Central Europe.
Major Hub Paralyzed by Winter Weather
The decision to close Vienna International Airport, a major European aviation hub, was not taken lightly. Airport officials cited impassable ice accumulation on the tarmac as the primary reason, deeming it unsafe for aircraft movements. The closure, beginning in the early hours of Tuesday, stranded thousands of passengers and halted all incoming and outgoing air traffic indefinitely until crews could make the surfaces safe.
Simultaneously, the same weather system wreaked havoc at Václav Havel Airport Prague. While not facing a full closure, the facility experienced widespread disruptions, including numerous cancelled flights and lengthy delays. Airlines were forced to reroute or ground aircraft, with the knock-on effects expected to impact schedules across the continent for hours, if not days.
Passenger Impact and Operational Challenges
Travelers at both airports faced immense uncertainty. Those at Vienna were unable to depart, while incoming flights were diverted to alternative airports. In Prague, crowded terminals saw passengers scrambling for information on rescheduled flights. Airport ground crews and de-icing teams worked around the clock, but the persistent freezing conditions made rapid improvement difficult.
The incident underscores the vulnerability of modern air travel to acute winter weather events. Despite advanced de-icing protocols, rapid ice formation can outpace response efforts, leading to preemptive closures for safety. Airlines are advising all passengers with travel plans through the region to check their flight status directly with their carrier before heading to the airport.
Broader Context of Winter Disruption
This severe ice event in Central Europe occurs amidst a week of significant weather-related and other news across Canada and globally, from winter parking bans and river rescues in Ontario to recalls and trade missions. However, the aviation disruption in Vienna and Prague stands out for its scale and impact on international travel corridors. Authorities have not provided an estimated time for a full return to normal operations in Vienna, stating that reopening is entirely dependent on weather conditions and the success of ongoing de-icing work.
