Update! Budapest Airport After the Snow: What Travelers Need to Know Right Now
When heavy snow falls across Budapest, the first place it disrupts is often Ferenc Liszt International Airport. On the morning of January 7, 2026, that’s exactly what happened — an intense overnight snowfall brought operations to a careful pause, but by dawn things were already moving again.
The snow stopped falling around the airport and nearby areas early that morning, allowing two runways to reopen right away. The morning rush hour passed with some delays, yet everything stayed safe and organized. Airport teams had been out all night clearing taxiways, aprons, and runways, keeping the highest level of snow readiness in place to handle whatever came next.
Last night’s storm led to more than twenty evening flight cancellations, all decided purely for safety. Affected passengers had options: some stayed overnight in the terminal with support from staff, others took hotel rooms arranged on site, and many simply went home to wait it out. Throughout the night, Budapest Airport kept extra personnel on hand, providing constant updates and assistance to everyone affected.
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What to Expect Today
Even with operations resuming, the day may still bring some hiccups. Snow crews continue working hard to keep surfaces clear, but delays or the occasional cancellation could pop up on certain flights. If you’re traveling through the airport today, a bit of patience goes a long way while everyone prioritizes safety.
The terminal stays busy during these conditions, with staff focused on real-time communication. Flight information screens, apps, and announcements help keep passengers in the loop about any changes. Most disruptions from winter weather like this tend to be short-lived, especially when the snow stops as quickly as it did here.
Planning Your Arrival or Departure
For visitors heading to or from Budapest, the airport sits about 30 minutes southeast of the city center, making it straightforward to reach once you’re cleared. The reliable 100E express bus connects directly to downtown, while taxis and shuttles handle the rest — though public transport often proves steadier in snowy conditions.
Winter weather at Ferenc Liszt is nothing new, and the airport handles it with practiced efficiency. Modern de-icing equipment and round-the-clock snow removal teams mean most issues resolve within hours rather than days. Interestingly, fresh snow like this also tends to temporarily clean the city’s winter air by trapping particles as it falls, leaving a crisper feel once things settle.
Making the Most of Your Time
If a delay catches you at the terminal, it offers decent ways to pass the time. Grab coffee from one of the cafés, use the free Wi-Fi to tweak your itinerary, or browse duty-free shops while waiting. Families will find play areas for kids, and lounges provide quieter spots to relax. The airport’s website and app give live updates on flights, gates, and weather impacts, all in multiple languages.
Once you reach the city, Budapest’s winter side shines through despite the weather. Thermal baths like Széchenyi stay steamy and welcoming, markets serve hot mulled wine, and fresh snow adds a quiet beauty to landmarks like the Parliament or Fisherman’s Bastion.
A Quick Return to Normal
This snow event shows how Budapest Airport balances safety with smooth operations even in tough conditions. Flights are running again, runways remain clear, and the focus stays on getting everyone where they need to be. For travelers, it means your plans might shift slightly, but the path to Budapest’s winter charm remains wide open. Check updates before you head out, and you’ll be exploring the city before long.
Update! – European Air Traffic: Snow Disruptions (January 7, 2026)
Western Europe faces ongoing flight chaos from heavy snow and ice under Storm Goretti, with hundreds of cancellations reported at major hubs. Amsterdam Schiphol limits arrivals to 5 per hour until midnight, leading to about 70% of flights not departing as planned, amid over 600 cancellations. Brussels sees snowfall causing 30-minute to 1-hour delays and some cancellations.
Paris CDG operates with average 1.5-2 hour delays due to de-icing needs. Orly, Le Bourget, Versailles airports remain closed until 14:00, while Nantes closes until 12:00. French authorities mandated cuts of up to 40% at CDG during peak hours.
Budapest Airport resumes operations with delays but no major halts, unlike widespread Western disruptions. Travelers to Hungary should check flight status, as regional snow eases faster here.
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