Public transport across many European airports faced significant disruption due to a heavy snowstorm, with reports spanning Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic. The disruption affected daily travel plans and schedules for commuters and travelers alike.
Munich Airport canceled all flights for the morning, with the ban later extended to cover the rest of the day, aligning with the local time adjustments. Similar cancellations or delays were observed at other major hubs, including Zurich Airport, as winter weather intensified and safety restrictions remained in force.
In Munich, the hardest hit city within the affected region, rail services, trams, and numerous metro and suburban lines operated only intermittently. Power outages left thousands of homes in Bavaria without electricity as heavy snow and fallen trees disrupted infrastructure and utility networks.
The weather also forced the cancellation of a high-profile football match involving Bayern Munich and Union Berlin that had been scheduled for the city, underscoring the wider impact of the storm on sports and public life.
Across neighboring Switzerland and Austria, authorities warned of high avalanche danger amid the snowfall, prompting precautionary closures and advisories for residents and visitors alike. The combination of snow accumulation and unstable snowpack created ongoing risks in alpine areas.
In the Czech Republic, major roads including the D1 motorway were closed for extended periods, while trains and other public transport services faced suspensions or cancellations. The power supply was disrupted for about 15,000 households as the storm swept through the country, highlighting the vulnerability of infrastructure to severe winter weather.
As the storm progressed, observations from Moscow noted how the city was coping with heavy snowfall, offering a glimpse into urban responses to winter conditions in capital cities across the region.
Commentators and officials weighed in on the response to the disruptions, with critics naming the organization of certain sporting events as a point of contention amid navigating the challenges presented by snow and ice. The broader conversation focused on preparedness, safety protocols, and the resilience of transport networks during severe winter weather.