Turbulent start to the year: airports grounded, train cancellations, and schedule changes

Even though Austria has only been marginally affected so far, the beginning of 2026 presented travelers in Europe with an unusually tough test: intense snowstorms and extreme winter conditions led to many transport disruptions. Flight and train problems made the first week of the travel year a challenge.

Winter chaos at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport – apf provides information and assistance

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport in the Netherlands, normally one of Europe's most reliable transportation hubs, became a hotspot for travel chaos due to persistent snowfall, strong winds, and difficult de-icing conditions:

• Snowfall and freezing temperatures meant that runways were closed for long periods and many planes were unable to take off or land.
• All flights were temporarily suspended for several days—at times, no air traffic was possible because snow blocked the runways and trains to the airport were not running for safety reasons.
• Hundreds of flights had to be canceled: on one day, more than 700 flights were canceled as a result of the weather conditions and airport capacity.
• The airline KLM reported shortages of de-icing fluid for aircraft—a significant burden on its already limited operations.
• Many travelers spent nights in airport terminals, waited for hours, or were repeatedly put off.

The extent of the disruption reflects not only an acute weather event, but also how vulnerable international air connections become in extreme conditions—especially at one of Europe's most important aviation hubs.

Tip for affected passengers: Before each trip, check the current status of your flight with your airline and consider alternative routes via nearby airports or train connections. Extreme weather events are generally considered extraordinary circumstances, which means that the airline is not obliged to pay compensation. Nevertheless, passengers are entitled to assistance and care services such as meals and hotel accommodation, as well as alternative transportation or ticket reimbursement. If the airline does not proactively offer these services and attempts to contact the airline are unsuccessful, apf will be happy to help. In any case, keep all receipts and invoices in case you have to arrange for accommodation or meals yourself.

Train cancellations and timetable changes in Austria

In Austria, too, rail transport was not spared from this turbulent turn of the year due to necessary infrastructure work. There are currently significant line closures and adjustments to the rail network:

Closure of the West Line Tyrol (January 7–29, 2026)

• The western line between Innsbruck Central Station and Rum is completely closed due to the construction of the new Rauchmühl Bridge.
• This closure affects both local and long-distance transport and will result in extensive train diversions and replacement services:
  • Rail replacement bus service between Innsbruck Central Station and Hall in Tirol will run every 15 minutes.
  • Long-distance trains between Vienna, Innsbruck, and Bregenz will be rerouted via the Inntal Tunnel, which will add 30–50 minutes to travel times.
  • Some international connections, such as Nightjets, start or end in Wörgl instead of Innsbruck, supplemented by rail replacement buses.

Further scheduled changes and construction work

• Extensive renovation work has begun on the S80 rapid transit line in Vienna and is expected to continue until the end of February. During the day on weekdays, there are no trains running between Vienna Central Station and Vienna Aspern Nord, with replacement services provided by the local transport association.
• Depending on the specific weather conditions, ÖBB winter maintenance services may be required throughout Austria at any time during the winter season to clear snow and ice. Therefore, weather-related delays and restrictions must be expected at any time, especially in the event of heavy snowfall.

For travelers, this means: Allow extra time for connections, use apps such as Scotty for up-to-date traffic reports, and find out about replacement buses or alternative routes in advance.

Your rights

Your rights as a traveler: In such situations, you are often entitled to a refund, assistance, or alternative transportation. apf supports you in asserting your passenger rights—even in the event of flight or train cancellations.