Austria: Heavy snowfall disrupts Vienna airport traffic
Deutsche Welle
February 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Heavy snowfall caused significant disruptions at Vienna International Airport on Friday, with flights paused or delayed due to treacherous conditions. The snowstorm, which began Thursday, dumped up to 30 centimeters (12 inches) of snow in some areas, creating hazardous travel conditions across Austria's capital. Snow accumulation near the airport reached nearly 8 inches, leading to multiple traffic accidents on icy roads and stranding thousands of travelers.
The storm’s impact extended beyond the airport, as road maintenance crews worked tirelessly to clear an estimated 15,000 tons of snow from city streets. Despite their efforts, slippery conditions caused several accidents, further complicating transportation for residents and visitors alike. The situation highlighted Vienna's vulnerability to extreme winter weather events, which can disrupt its bustling aviation hub.
Vienna International Airport, a major European transit point, saw nearly 230 inbound flights disrupted or redirected, while many outbound flights faced delays. By Friday morning, around 19 flights had been canceled outright, affecting thousands of passengers. The airport urged travelers to check their flight statuses before heading to the terminal, as officials worked to restore normal operations amid ongoing challenges.
This disruption underscores the broader implications of severe winter weather on infrastructure and daily life in urban centers. For readers interested in world news or travel updates, the situation in Vienna serves as a reminder of how quickly extreme weather can impact global transportation networks. The full extent of the snowstorm’s effects is still unfolding, but its impact on flights and road safety has already made it a notable event in European travel and logistics this winter season.
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Originally published on Deutsche Welle on 2/20/2026