Freezing rain disrupts air and rail travel: These are the rights of travelers

Due to freezing rain and heavy ice formation, Vienna International Airport had to temporarily suspend all flight operations. Rail traffic in eastern Austria has also been affected by restrictions. For many travelers, this means diversions, delays, and cancellations—both in air and rail traffic.

Flight operations in Schwechat temporarily suspended

According to Vienna Airport, operations were temporarily suspended on Tuesday morning due to weather conditions. The reason for this is a thick layer of ice on runways, taxiways, and aprons, which is reforming immediately despite de-icing measures.

According to the airport, the restrictions are expected to remain in place until around 11:00 a.m. During this time, arriving flights will be diverted to other European airports, including Munich, Frankfurt, Cologne, and Venice. In addition, there were significant delays in some departures. Passengers are expressly requested to check with their airline about their flight status before traveling to the airport.

It is particularly emphasized that travelers should not come to the airport if their flights have been canceled in order to avoid additional congestion at the airport.

Impact on rail traffic: Airport connections restricted

The winter black ice is not only affecting air traffic, but also rail traffic in eastern Austria:

• All ÖBB long-distance connections to Vienna Airport are canceled

• The S-Bahn and City Airport Train (CAT) are not affected.

• On the southern route between Vienna and Graz, trains do not terminate and start at Vienna Central Station, but in Vienna-Meidling.

What rights do affected passengers have?

Although weather-related events such as freezing rain are generally considered extraordinary circumstances, passengers still have clear rights, especially when it comes to care, alternative transportation, or refunds.

Affected travelers should therefore:

• check the flight or train status regularly

• Keep all receipts for additional costs (e.g., hotel, meals, replacement transportation).

• inform themselves about their passenger rights, especially in the event of long delays or cancellations

The apf assists travelers in reviewing and asserting their claims—both in air and rail travel.