Bavaria, Germany, was hit hard by heavy snowfall, leading to the cancellation of all flights and long-distance trains out of Munich. The city also had to close its Christmas markets, some ski lifts were unable to operate, and even a football match had to be postponed due to the icy conditions. Munich airport announced that flights would not resume until at least 6 a.m. the following day.
Stranded passengers at Munich Airport expressed their frustration over the situation. Magda Shokosa, one of the stranded travelers, said, "Everything is closed. Online doesn't work. Well, you have to be patient... there's nothing you can do." Another passenger, Brigitte Schloessel, had to dig her way out of the car park with shovels and take a taxi since the buses were not running.
Deutsche Bahn, the German national railway company, also faced significant disruptions due to the heavy snowfall. Trains were unable to arrive at Munich's central train station, and the halt was expected to last throughout the day. Deutsche Bahn warned passengers to expect considerable delays until Monday.
The treacherous icy roads caused numerous transport accidents and traffic jams, as reported by local media. The German Weather Service estimated that Bavaria would receive 30-40 cm of snow by Saturday evening, exacerbating the dangerous driving conditions.
Even sports events were affected by the snowfall. A Bundesliga match between Bayern Munich and Union Berlin had to be postponed due to the heavy snowfall, much to the disappointment of fans.
Despite the disruptions, some Munich residents embraced the wintry atmosphere created by the snowfall. Parents were seen pulling their children along on sleds, enjoying the rare occasion for winter fun. Friedrich Zeller, a local resident, expressed his delight, saying, "Finally snow again. I think it's great because it's a bit quieter. It's a nicer atmosphere overall," as he walked through the snowy streets.
As Bavaria copes with the aftermath of the heavy snowfall, authorities are working diligently to clear the roads, resume transportation services, and restore normalcy to the city. In the meantime, passengers are advised to stay patient and stay updated on the status of flights and trains as the snowstorm passes.