BERLIN, Feb 27 (Reuters) - Munich Airport and Lufthansa on Friday vowed to revamp emergency protocols following the stranding of around 600 passengers on six planes during a snowstorm last week. "We,
Munich Airport, Lufthansa to overhaul emergency protocols after snowstorm
Emergency response overhaul after Munich snowstorm
Incident overview
BERLIN, Feb 27 (Reuters) - Munich Airport and Lufthansa on Friday vowed to revamp emergency protocols following the stranding of around 600 passengers on six planes during a snowstorm last week.
"We, Munich Airport and Lufthansa, made mistakes that night and together we take responsibility," Lufthansa's Hub Manager for the Munich Airport Heiko Reitz said at a joint press conference in Munich.
The airport and airline apologised for what they deemed an "unacceptable" incident and announced new measures to prevent a recurrence.
Operational shortfalls cited
Operational shortfalls on Feb. 19, including lack of terminal space, stretched bus capacity, and staff shortages amid a strict night curfew, were cited as key factors that delayed passenger transfer.
Passenger experience and compensation
Passengers spent hours aboard aircrafts with limited food or blankets, facing sparse updates from crews. Lufthansa said it began contacting affected travellers the following day to handle compensation claims.
Criticism and accountability calls
The response drew criticism from pilot and firefighter unions, while local politicians demanded accountability, warning the event could harm Munich's reputation as a transit hub.
Next steps
Lufthansa and Munich Airport pledged to improve coordination and readiness in future disruptions.
(Reporting by Christina Amann, Kirsti KnolleEditing by Linda Pasquini)
