Story perspectives

Berlin Airport Suspends Departures Amid Severe Winter Storm

2/6/2026

49 9

Center

Airport Disruptions Continue

Berlin Brandenburg Airport has suspended departures due to freezing rain that is hindering aircraft de-icing operations.
The ongoing cold spell, with temperatures below -10 degrees Celsius, is causing travel disruptions across Berlin, including train services.
Landings at the airport continue, but passengers face widespread cancellations and delays.
The German Weather Service (Deutscher Wetterdienst, DWD) warns of hazardous icy conditions as winter weather worsens.

Right

Mayor Advocates Salt

A court blocked an emergency plan allowing road salt use, leaving sidewalks icy and landlords relying on mechanical de-icing.
NABU (Naturschutzbund Deutschland) opposed salt use, citing risks to local trees.
Police reported 201 accidents on February 2 due to icy conditions.
Mayor Kai Wegner is advocating changes to the road salt ban to improve public safety.
Public transit remains halted by a union strike amid ongoing cold weather.

History

Historical Context

The Great Blizzard of 1978 struck the northeastern United States from February 5 to 7, resulting in over 100 fatalities and record snowfall exceeding 27 inches in cities like Boston and Providence. This catastrophic storm paralyzed transportation and left thousands stranded, highlighting the vulnerabilities of urban infrastructure to severe winter weather and prompting calls for improved emergency response strategies in the years that followed.

1 of 3

Airport Disruptions Continue

Berlin Brandenburg Airport has suspended departures due to freezing rain that is hindering aircraft de-icing operations.
The ongoing cold spell, with temperatures below -10 degrees Celsius, is causing travel disruptions across Berlin, including train services.
Landings at the airport continue, but passengers face widespread cancellations and delays.
The German Weather Service (Deutscher Wetterdienst, DWD) warns of hazardous icy conditions as winter weather worsens.

1 / 3