Severe Ice Disrupts Vienna Airport and Causes Widespread Emergency Response in Eastern Austria

Severe icy conditions led to significant disruptions in eastern Austria on Tuesday, affecting both air travel and local transportation networks. Vienna International Airport, located in Schwechat, temporarily suspended flight operations during the morning as a thick layer of ice rapidly reformed despite ongoing de-icing efforts. The airport resumed limited operations from 11:00 am, focusing initially on departures before gradually allowing arrivals in the early afternoon. Passengers were advised to check the status of their flights with airlines and to allocate extra time for travel to the airport due to ongoing delays and logistical challenges.

These hazardous conditions resulted in 81 Austrian Airlines flights being cancelled, affecting approximately 7,000 travelers. Additionally, eight inbound flights from international destinations, including New Jersey, Washington, and Bangkok, were diverted to alternate airports such as Klagenfurt, Graz, and Munich. All affected passengers were accommodated and rebooked where possible. Ongoing de-icing of aircraft extended turnaround times, with further delays anticipated throughout the day. Travelers impacted by cancellations were eligible for ticket refunds or alternative transportation, though no additional compensation was mandated under EU regulations for disruptions caused by extreme weather.

The icy weather had a pronounced impact on ground transportation and public safety across Lower Austria and Vienna. Local fire stations reported around 70 vehicle recoveries since Monday evening due to slippery roads. Emergency medical services responded to over 100 calls by late morning, representing a substantial increase compared to typical daily volumes. Many of these incidents involved injuries from falls on icy sidewalks and roadways. In Vienna alone, emergency crews transported over 60 individuals to local hospitals following such accidents, and medical facilities noted a surge in patient admissions related to the icy conditions.

In Upper Austria, a truck carrying approximately 2,000 chickens overturned, resulting in additional minor traffic collisions and a series of falls among pedestrians. Some students in affected areas were unable to attend school due to transportation challenges. At Linz Airport, the runways remained unsafe for diverted flights from Vienna until later in the day. Police across the region managed numerous minor accidents linked to the treacherous conditions. Similar reports of injuries from falls were recorded in northern Burgenland, with local hospitals preparing for a steady influx of patients.

Public rail and bus services also experienced significant disruptions, particularly in the early hours. Rail travel between Vienna's main station and the airport was suspended, while services on the southern route between Vienna and Graz were rerouted to begin and end at Vienna-Meidling instead. The national rail operator lifted travel restrictions in the afternoon, but advised passengers to check schedules and allow for possible delays. Bus services gradually returned to normal as road conditions improved.

In response to the hazardous weather, Vienna's municipal authorities temporarily lifted the usual ban on salt spreading for sidewalks, permitting the use of de-icing agents even in areas close to trees and unpaved surfaces. The city's street cleaning department deployed its full fleet of vehicles and additional personnel overnight to manage the situation. Property owners were reminded of their responsibility to keep sidewalks adjacent to their buildings safe for pedestrians.

While the southern parts of Austria largely escaped the worst of the icy weather, authorities in affected regions continued to monitor the situation closely and urged the public to avoid unnecessary travel until conditions improved. The coordinated response from emergency services, local authorities, and transportation providers played a crucial role in managing the impact of the severe winter weather event.