Munich Airport's Flights Halted Temporarily Due to Winter Weather
Once again, Munich Airport is suspending operations temporarily on an icy Tuesday, with no take-offs or landings from 6 a.m. to noon. Announced on Monday evening, the reason for this halt is the anticipated freezing rain during the night, rendering flight operations unsafe during those hours. Predicted to affect around 150 take-offs and 160 landings, the airport is planning to use the first half of the day to de-ice the operational areas, aiming to resume air traffic by noon. Despite these restrictions, the flight schedule will likely be limited in the afternoon, encouraging passengers to check with their airlines.
Capitalizing on the Winter's Wrath
Over 1,500 passengers were stranded at Munich Airport on Monday night, with many spending the night on camp beds, provided with food and drink. Complaints surfaced about postponed connecting flights, causing frustration among passengers. The second-largest German airport and a prominent hub for international air traffic, Munich, mainly affected international passengers forced to spend the night due to their lack of a visa.
Headaches Beyond Munich's Sky
The heavy snowfall has prolonged its impact on roads and railways, posing challenges for travelers. German rail service, Deutsche Bahn, anticipates additional disruptions in Bavaria and nationwide, especially in Baden-Württemberg and towards Switzerland, until midweek. Additionally, Munich Central Station facilities were limited on Monday.
EVG and Pro Bahn Criticism
The railroad union EVG and passenger association Pro Bahn took advantage of the chaos on the railroads to condemn the state of Germany's rail infrastructure, specifically in Bavaria. Attempting to reverse decades of austerity policies, railway officials called for significant investment to bring the infrastructure up to par with Austria's standards and prevent future winter-related disruptions.
The Frigid Education Setbacks
The unusual combination of heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures is causing operational issues, especially in Munich. Icy tracks have caused vehicles to derail, delaying the removal of snow and ice. In the districts of Starnberg and Mühldorf am Inn, as well as in Augsburg, schools had to close due to the snow's massive accumulation on building rooftops, with classes scheduled to resume the following day.
Frost and Forecasts
The Western Mountains and areas further east remain at risk of black ice in the coming days, according to the German Weather Service. Particularly between the Main and Danube rivers, the risk is high. The regions near the Rhine and in the far west will experience temperatures above zero during the night. Possible severe frost in south-eastern Bavaria is another concern.
References:
- Stern
Additional Information
Currently, Bavaria's weather is cold and sunny, with varying temperatures within different locations. Regensburg and Straubing have a temperature of 20°F (−7°C) with a forecast for 34°F (1°C) in the afternoon and a drop to 18°F (−8°C) at night. Meanwhile, Nürnberg’s temperature was 37°F (3°C) on February 13, 2025, and cloudy skies with a light breeze.
Munich Airport is currently experiencing heavy traffic, with 6.2 million passengers in the recent six weeks, and plans to strengthen its service reliability and operational efficiency with ongoing technological innovations and operational improvements. Lufthansa is also acquiring ground handling companies to strengthen its presence at Munich Airport and ensure stable employment for the current workforce.
Several disruptions have occurred on the railway, such as Deutsche Bahn's plans for further disruptions in Bavaria and nationwide until midweek, primarily in Baden-Württemberg and towards Switzerland. Additionally, Munich Central Station faced limited operations on Monday.
