Heavy snowfall brought air travel at Vienna International Airport to a temporary standstill on 20 February 2026, forcing authorities to suspend operations, cancel hundreds of flights, and warn passengers of ongoing disruptions.

The airport operator announced that flight operations were suspended due to heavy snowfall, with the closure extended until midday local time as crews worked to clear runways and ensure safety. 

The airport timetable indicates that many afternoon flights are cancelled or delayed. 

The operational shutdown resulted in extensive cancellations and delays. Of approximately 232 flights scheduled for the morning period, around 150 were cancelled, according to the airport operator, Reuters reported.

Many incoming flights were diverted to other airports, while departures were suspended until conditions improved. 

Airlines also warned passengers about disruptions. Austrian Airlines said delays and cancellations were expected due to weather-related conditions and advised travellers to check flight status before coming to the airport. 

The snowstorm caused widespread transport disruption across Austria, including power outages and road closures. The airport temporarily halted all departures, and arrivals were also delayed or diverted. 

Winter maintenance teams worked continuously overnight to remove snow, with approximately 20 cm accumulating and more than 15,000 tons cleared from operational areas, Aero Times reported. 

Heavy snowfall affects airport operations in multiple ways, including reduced runway visibility, the need for extensive snow removal, and slower aircraft turnaround processes such as de-icing. These factors can cascade into large-scale cancellations, delays, and logistical challenges for airlines and passengers.