Finance

Ice closes Vienna airport, disrupts flights in Prague

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on January 13, 2026

1 min read

· Last updated: January 19, 2026

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VIENNA, Jan 13 (Reuters) - Icy conditions have forced staff to close Vienna International Airport until at least 11 a.m. (1000 GMT) on Tuesday and limit fights at Prague's Vaclav Havel Airport, both

Icy Conditions Halt Operations at Vienna and Prague Airports

Impact of Ice on Airport Operations

VIENNA, Jan 13 (Reuters) - Icy conditions have forced staff to close Vienna International Airport until at least 11 a.m. (1000 GMT) on Tuesday and limit fights at Prague's Vaclav Havel Airport, both hubs said.

Vienna Airport Closure

A thick layer of ice had formed on runways in Vienna and kept freezing up again after efforts to clear it, a spokesperson said. Flights being diverted to other airports, they added.

Prague Airport Limited Operations

Freezing rain had left Prague Airport operating in a "very limited mode", according to a message on its X account.

Expected Delays and Diversions

Delays were expected through the day and arrivals were being restricted as staff worked to de-ice the main runway, it added.

(Reporting by Alexandra Schwarz-Goerlich in Vienna, Thomas Seythal in Berlin and Jason Hovet in Prague Editing by Miranda Murray and Andrew Heavens)

Key Takeaways

  • Vienna Airport closed due to icy conditions.
  • Prague Airport operating in limited mode.
  • Flights are being diverted to other airports.
  • Delays and restricted arrivals expected.
  • Efforts to de-ice runways are ongoing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an airport closure?
An airport closure occurs when an airport temporarily halts operations due to safety concerns, such as severe weather conditions, preventing flights from taking off or landing.
What is de-icing in aviation?
De-icing is the process of removing ice or snow from an aircraft's wings and surfaces to ensure safe flight operations, especially during winter weather.
What are flight diversions?
Flight diversions happen when an aircraft is redirected to a different airport than originally planned, often due to weather, safety issues, or emergencies.

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