Update – Breaking News! Winter Weather Halts Flights at Budapest Airport
If you’re traveling to or from Budapest this week, you may have already noticed some disruptions at Ferenc Liszt International Airport. Due to icy conditions across Central Europe, Budapest’s main airport temporarily suspended all arrivals and departures on Tuesday morning, January 13. The closure, which began at 10:25 a.m., was implemented for one crucial reason: safety.
Winter Weather Creates Travel Challenges
Since early morning, a mix of heavy snowfall and dangerous black ice has blanketed the airport and its surroundings. This extreme icing not only makes runway operations risky but also creates significant safety hazards for both aircraft and ground crews. In response, the airport has moved to its highest level of snow preparedness. Teams have been working continuously to clear runways, taxiways, and aprons, doing their best to restore normal operations as soon as possible.
Black ice — that nearly invisible layer of ice that can form on paved surfaces — is a serious concern for aviation. Even a thin film can make braking and maneuvering aircraft unsafe. The decision to halt flights was made with passenger safety as the top priority, in line with similar measures at other major airports across Central Europe affected by the same weather system.
An Incident During the Morning Operations
During the morning, an Ethiopian Airlines cargo flight experienced difficulties while taxiing. The aircraft’s nose gear slipped off the paved area and onto the grass, leaving it temporarily stuck. Fortunately, no injuries occurred, and the situation is under investigation by the airport operator in coordination with aviation authorities. Recovery efforts are ongoing, but the incident further highlights the challenging conditions faced by crews on the ground.
What Passengers Should Do
While the airport’s technical teams and snow clearance services continue working to reopen the runways, passengers are advised to keep up with the latest updates. Budapest Airport is posting continuous announcements on its official website and social media channels, and airlines are informing passengers directly about flight changes, cancellations, and rebooking options.
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If your travel plans are affected, check your airline’s online platforms before heading to the airport — and consider rebooking or adjusting your itinerary once flight operations resume. Many travelers have opted to explore the city during the delay, making the most of Budapest’s cozy cafés, historic thermal baths, and snow-dusted architecture.
Staying Safe and Making the Most of Budapest
Although the weather has complicated air travel, winter in Budapest still holds its charm. The city’s Christmas markets may have closed for the season, but you can still enjoy traditional Hungarian dishes, steaming mulled wine, and breathtaking views of the Danube under a blanket of snow. If you find yourself unexpectedly staying longer, it might be the perfect time to soak in the thermal baths of Széchenyi or Gellért, or to warm up in one of the city’s historic coffeehouses.
As the airport continues its efforts to clear the runways and resume flights safely, patience truly is appreciated. With safety measures in place and constant updates provided by Budapest Airport, normal flight operations are expected to return once weather conditions improve.
For the most recent information, visit bud.hu or follow Budapest Airport on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) for real-time announcements.
Budapest Airport Update
Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport reopened at 13:00, and both runways are now fully operational. Flights are arriving and departing safely. However, due to unfavorable weather conditions, traffic has slowed down, and some flights may experience delays or cancellations in the coming hours. Snow and black ice were present at the airport and its surroundings from early Tuesday morning until early afternoon on 13 January. The airport remains at the highest level of preparedness for snow, with teams working continuously to clear runways, taxiways, and aprons. Passengers are advised to follow the latest updates on the Budapest Airport website and their airlines’ announcements for real-time flight information. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
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