- Flight Disruptions
- Black ice disrupts Berlin BER: cancellations and delays persist
Black ice disrupts Berlin BER: cancellations and delays persist
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Checked by Matteo Floris
Last updated on February 9, 2026
What Happened
Berlin Brandenburg Airport faced major disruption after snow and freezing rain created black ice on Feb 5, halting takeoffs and landings. Although operations resumed, delays and cancellations continued into Feb 6. By 11:20 a.m. EST that day, 177 flights were canceled and 70 delayed. Authorities warned of hazardous black ice across northern and eastern Germany, and ground transport was also affected. Passengers were advised to verify flight status before heading to the airport. Weather-related disruptions fall under care obligations but not compensation.
Flight Disruption Details
Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) experienced a significant operational shutdown on 5 February after snow and freezing rain produced widespread black ice on runways and taxiways, rendering them unsafe for aircraft movements. Both takeoffs and landings were suspended. Overnight de-icing efforts were hindered as freezing rain refroze on treated surfaces, complicating the recovery process.
By late morning on 6 February (11:20 a.m. EST), disruption remained substantial. Flight tracking data indicated 177 cancellations and 70 delays, reflecting the continuing effects of the previous day’s closure and ongoing weather conditions. The airport stated that flights had resumed but warned of persistent delays and cancellations, advising passengers to check their flight status before traveling to the airport.
The weather impact extended beyond aviation. Germany’s weather service issued warnings for hazardous black ice across northern and eastern regions. Ground transport in the area was also disrupted, with multiple accidents reported on the Autobahn near Potsdam and delays and cancellations affecting rail services, including routes between Berlin and Hamburg.
Under applicable European rules, passengers affected by weather-related disruptions are entitled to assistance, including meals, accommodation when necessary, and rebooking. Financial compensation does not apply when the cause is extraordinary circumstances such as severe weather.
Key facts:
- Location: Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER)
- Cause: Black ice and freezing rain
- Event timeline: Full suspension on 5 February; operations resumed with ongoing disruption on 6 February
- Impact as of 11:20 a.m. EST on 6 February: 177 cancellations and 70 delays
Passengers traveling through BER should monitor their flight status closely and allow extra time for airport and ground transport conditions, as delays and cancellations continue.
Know your rights
These are your air passenger rights
When your flight's disrupted, you may be entitled to various forms of care and compensation under EC 261 and other applicable laws.
Rerouting or refund
If your flight is canceled, your airline must provide an alternative. You may also get a full refund if you no longer wish to travel.
Care and assistance
Your airline must provide food and refreshments if your journey is delayed more than a few hours.
Accommodation
If you are away from home and your journey is delayed overnight, the airline must offer you accommodation and transportation to it.
Communication
Under EC 261 you are entitled to 2 phone calls or emails if your journey is delayed over 1 hour. No compensation when a disruption is caused by extraordinary circumstances, as this appears to be.
This advice is provided to help you if your flight is delayed or canceled. However, the exact care and compensation you are entitled to will depend on your specific circumstances and flight. Always follow the directions of your airline, particularly with regard to check-in and boarding times.
Quick facts
Summary
Disruption
Delays and Cancellations
Cause
Weather issue
Status
Current disruption
Compensation
Not eligible for compensation
Airports affected
Berlin Brandenburg Airport
Start date
2026-02-05
Checked by
Matteo Floris
Date updated
February 9, 2026
What To Do If Your Flight Is Cancelled
If you're traveling to or from the European Union, here's what to do when your flight is unexpectedly scrubbed:
Gather evidence that your flight was delayed, canceled, or overbooked.
Get the airline to provide written confirmation of the disruption and the reason behind it.
Request an alternative flight to your destination — or a refund if you no longer wish to travel.
Make a note of the arrival time at your final destination.
Ask the airline to provide vouchers for meals and refreshments.
Avoid signing documents or accepting offers that may waive your passenger rights.
If an overnight stay is required, ask the airline to provide accommodation.
Save receipts for any additional expenses caused by the disruption.
