Finance
Ice closes Vienna airport, disrupts flights in Prague
Published by Global Banking and Finance Review
Posted on January 13, 2026
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)
Frequently Asked Questions about Ice closes Vienna airport, disrupts flights in Prague
1What 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.
2What 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.
3What 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.
