Hundreds of Flights Canceled in Munich
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Heavy Snowfall Paralyzes Munich – Travel Disruptions Affecting Flights and Transportation
Munich, Germany, faced widespread disruption on Saturday as heavy snowfall blanketed the city, leading to the cancellation of approximately 760 flights at Munich Airport, according to an official spokesperson. Buses, trams, and select train services were also suspended, causing significant challenges for commuters, as reported by Munich’s public transport company.
Munich’s central train station experienced closures for arrivals, and all long-distance train services were entirely suspended, according to Germany’s national railway company Deutsche Bahn. The impact on rail traffic is expected to be severe until Monday, as warned by Deutsche Bahn.
Travellers found themselves stranded at Munich’s main station, with reports from Süddeutsche Zeitung describing scenes of frustration. “I’ve been sitting here in this place since one o’clock in the morning,” shared one passenger, reflecting the challenges faced by those attempting to navigate the travel disruptions.
Hundreds of flights were canceled in Germany as heavy snowfall blanketed Bavaria and closed Munich’s airport https://t.co/yAzop9qPKy pic.twitter.com/7HiW2HFDNN
— Reuters (@Reuters) December 2, 2023
In response to the extreme weather conditions, Munich police urged residents not to use their cars unless absolutely necessary. Additionally, residents in some parts of southern Bavaria were advised to stay home, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation.
The winter weather also affected scheduled events, with the highly anticipated football match between Bayern Munich and Union Berlin, slated for Saturday, being postponed. Bayern Munich cited safety risks and challenging traffic conditions as unavoidable reasons for the cancellation, emphasizing the need to prioritize public safety.
Bavarian public broadcaster Bayerischer Rundfunk reported that Munich witnessed a record-breaking 44 centimeters of snowfall, marking the most extensive December snowfall since records began in 1933.
The local authorities are actively working to address the aftermath of the snowstorm, with a focus on restoring transportation services and ensuring the safety of residents and travelers alike.
