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Heavy snow cripples Frankfurt Airport as flights face delays and curfew exemptions

A sudden snowstorm turned Frankfurt Airport into chaos, testing its limits. Nearby Hahn stayed calm—why did one hub struggle while the other thrived?

In this image there are few flights on the runway, there are few poles and cables and some clouds...
In this image there are few flights on the runway, there are few poles and cables and some clouds in the sky.

So far, no flight cancellations due to winter weather in Hahn - Heavy snow cripples Frankfurt Airport as flights face delays and curfew exemptions

Heavy snowfall disrupted flights at Frankfurt Airport on Monday evening, causing delays and extended operations beyond usual hours. The wintry weather led to multiple deicing procedures, while nearby Hahn Airport reported no major issues despite similar conditions.

Snow began falling heavily at Frankfurt Airport in the late evening, forcing ground crews to deice planes before takeoff. The process slowed operations, leading to a backlog of delayed flights. Two incoming aircraft were diverted to Stuttgart after extended holding patterns in the air.

A delayed landing finally touched down at 11:23 p.m., just past the airport’s usual 11 p.m. curfew. Under special rules, Frankfurt allows late landings during severe weather but restricts departures after curfew unless approved. On this occasion, 22 takeoffs were granted exemptions, with the last flight—bound for Oslo—departing at 11:49 p.m. Meanwhile, Hahn Airport operated smoothly despite the cold. Officials there confirmed sufficient deicing supplies and storage, ensuring no cancellations or significant delays.

Frankfurt Airport faced extended noise and late-night activity due to the weather, though operations eventually resumed as normal. Hahn Airport, however, remained unaffected, demonstrating preparedness for winter conditions. The incident highlights how severe weather can strain even major transport hubs.

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