KEY POINTS
- Severe freezing rain forced Berlin Brandenburg Airport to suspend all aircraft departures.
- Ground crews cannot safely de-ice planes due to the persistent and extreme weather conditions.
- Arrivals remain possible but depend on individual airline decisions and local runway availability.
Berlin Brandenburg Airport halted all departing flights on Thursday. Dangerous freezing rain moved across the German capital. This weather created unsafe conditions for aviation. Ground teams struggled to keep aircraft clear of ice.
The airport confirmed that no takeoffs could occur. Freezing rain creates a thin layer of ice on wings. This ice disrupts airflow and makes flight dangerous. Crews typically use chemicals to remove this ice. However, the rain fell so fast that de-icing became impossible.
Safety remains the primary concern for airport officials. They monitored the storm throughout the morning. By midday, the situation worsened. They decided to stop departures to prevent accidents. Pilots cannot gain enough lift with frozen wing surfaces.
Incoming flights faced different challenges. Some planes managed to land at the airport. However, many airlines chose to cancel or divert. Pilots must decide if the runway surface is safe. Even if a plane lands, it may get stuck on the taxiway.
Passengers faced significant delays at the terminals. Many travelers waited for updates on their screens. Airlines worked to rebook people on later flights. Some passengers sought hotels or alternative transport. The airport advised everyone to check their flight status online.
This weather event impacted much of northern Germany. Roads near the airport also became very slippery. Local authorities warned people to stay home if possible. The freezing rain turned pavement into sheets of ice. This made driving to the airport difficult for staff and travelers.
Meteorologists expect the ice to persist for several hours. Cold air trapped near the ground meets warmer rain above. This creates the perfect recipe for freezing rain. Conditions may only improve when the temperature rises.
The airport will resume departures once the rain stops. Crews need time to clear the runways and planes. They must ensure every surface is free of ice. This process takes time and careful coordination. Travelers should expect a backlog of flights.
