Freezing snowfall affecting Budapest in the morning brought air traffic at Liszt Ferenc International Airport to a near standstill. Due to severe icing, the airport was temporarily closed, during which an Ethiopian Cargo Boeing 777F aircraft veered off the runway while taxiing.
Freezing snow and heavy icing that began in the early morning hours in Budapest increased safety risks at Liszt Ferenc International Airport. As of 10:25, all arriving and departing flights were temporarily suspended by the airport operator.
Nose Landing Gear of Ethiopian Cargo Aircraft Stuck in Grassy Area
During adverse weather conditions, the nose landing gear of an Ethiopian Airlines Cargo Boeing 777F aircraft operating flight ETH 3707 slid off the hard surface of the taxiway while proceeding to its parking position after landing, became embedded in a grassy area, and got stuck there. No injuries were reported.
Authorities stated that technical and operational investigations into the cause of the incident are ongoing and that work is being carried out in coordination with the relevant institutions to safely remove the aircraft from its current position.
Airport Operating at the Highest Winter Operations Level
In a statement made at 11:40, the Budapest Airport operator noted that, as at other airports across Central Europe, operations in Budapest were suspended due to severe icing and freezing conditions. The statement emphasised that runways, taxiways and aprons were being continuously cleared and that the airport was operating at the highest level of winter operational readiness.
UPDATE: Airport Reopened
Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport reopened to flights as of 13:00, with both runways back in operation. The airport operator announced the latest status via its official social media account.
