Severe winter weather disrupted operations at Budapest airport after an Ethiopian Airlines cargo jet encountered black ice, forcing temporary runway closure and flight delays across Central Europe.
A runway incident involving an Ethiopian Airlines cargo aircraft briefly disrupted air traffic at Budapest Liszt Ferenc International Airport after the plane slid off a taxiway during icy winter conditions. The event unfolded as freezing rain and black ice affected much of Central Europe, prompting heightened safety measures at several major airports.
The aircraft, a Boeing 777 freighter operated by Ethiopian Airlines, had just landed in Budapest following a long-haul cargo flight from Hong Kong. Although the landing itself was completed safely, the runway incident occurred moments later while the jet was taxiing to its designated parking area.
Airport officials emphasized that no injuries were reported and that safety protocols worked as intended. However, the incident highlighted the operational challenges airports face during extreme winter weather, especially when black ice forms rapidly despite ongoing de-icing efforts.
Winter weather conditions had already placed Budapest Liszt Ferenc International Airport on high alert. Ground teams were operating at maximum readiness, continuously clearing runways, taxiways, and aprons to maintain safe movement for aircraft. Despite these efforts, the cargo jet lost traction on taxiway A6 and came to rest on a grass verge beside the paved surface.
Following the runway incident, airport authorities temporarily closed the affected runway for approximately two and a half hours. During this time, recovery crews worked to stabilize and reposition the aircraft while investigators began assessing contributing factors, including surface conditions and weather intensity.
The temporary closure caused several flight delays and cancellations, with low-cost carrier Wizz Air among the airlines most affected due to its large operational footprint in Budapest. Nearby airports in Vienna, Bratislava, and Prague also reported operational disruptions as icy conditions spread across the region.
Flight tracking data showed the cargo service operated smoothly for most of its journey. After departing Hong Kong slightly behind schedule, the aircraft cruised at standard altitude and arrived in Budapest earlier than its scheduled landing time. The runway incident occurred only after touchdown, reinforcing that the challenge was ground conditions rather than airborne operations.
Airport management later confirmed via official communication channels that passenger and crew safety was never compromised. Investigators are now reviewing weather data, surface treatment records, and aircraft movement logs to determine whether additional preventive measures could reduce similar risks in future winter events.
As climate variability increases the frequency of severe weather across Europe, aviation authorities continue to stress the importance of proactive winter operations planning. This runway incident serves as a reminder that even with advanced aircraft and experienced crews, ground conditions remain a critical factor in airport safety during extreme cold spells.
