The airport just released a statement regarding a significant inconvenience caused by snow that affected travelers during the night.
Why Munich Airport Is Trending Today
Munich Airport said heavy snowfall created major operational challenges during the night of Feb. 19 to 20, 2026. The airport said winter services were deployed with all available resources, but delays and cancellations still happened. It also said passengers in six aircraft that were ready for takeoff were especially affected after those flights were not allowed to depart in the early morning hours.
In its statement, the airport issued an apology to affected passengers. It explained that Munich is subject to night flight rules from midnight to 5 a.m., with flights only allowed with individual approval from the Ministry of Transport. The airport said a special permit was obtained and aircraft were allowed onto the tarmac until 1 a.m. as an exception.
The airport also gave a clear breakdown of the disruption. It said six flights with around 600 passengers were affected, with five operated by the Lufthansa Group and one by Air Arabia. According to the statement, heavy wet snowfall caused longer de-icing times, runways had to be closed at short notice for snow clearance, and the aircraft could not meet the 1 a.m. deadline.
Munich Airport added that terminal capacity was already occupied by canceled flights parked earlier, so the late-arriving aircraft had to be parked at remote positions. It also said bus service was severely restricted due to the late hour and communication problems. The airport said passengers were not in danger and that it is now working with partners on immediate process improvements.
Why This Matters if You Fly Through Major European Hubs
This story is getting attention because Munich Airport is a major European hub, not a small regional field. In a recent airport press release, Munich Airport said it handled 43.4 million passengers in 2025, with 337,000 takeoffs and landings, and reported continued growth in long-haul traffic and cargo. That scale means disruptions can ripple across many routes and connections.
The airport is also in the middle of a major infrastructure expansion. Munich Airport said its new Terminal 1 Pier is set for a grand opening on April 13, 2026, and that it will add capacity for up to six million passengers per year. The airport described the project as one of Bavaria’s largest infrastructure projects.
What US Travelers Need to Watch if Munich Is a Connection Stop
If you are flying to Europe soon and Munich is part of your trip, do not panic, but do plan smarter. The official Munich Airport homepage includes live arrival and departure search tools, and that should be your first check before leaving for the airport or heading to a connection.
It is also smart to watch both your airline app and the airport site during winter weather periods. The official statement shows how the weather can affect more than just the runway. It can also affect de-icing time, parking positions, and ground transport around the aircraft.
For readers booking upcoming European travel, this trend is a reminder to leave extra connection time, especially when weather risk is high, and to keep alerts turned on for every flight segment. That small step can save a lot of stress if conditions change late in the evening.
