Chaos in Munich: Hundreds Trapped in Planes After Winter Storm

A sudden winter storm in Bavaria paralyzed operations at Germany's second-largest airport, creating what experts describe as an image and operational disaster. At least 600 passengers were trapped in planes standing on taxiways. Although the aircraft had landed or were ready for takeoff, staffing shortages among ground handling personnel and night curfew restrictions prevented the efficient deployment of buses and evacuation of passengers to terminals. The main brunt of the chaos affected passengers of the national carrier Lufthansa, with witness accounts indicating a lack of basic care, including blankets and warm meals. Criticism focuses on the lack of proper communication from airport authorities. Passengers reported contradictory messages and hours of waiting in stuffy cabins with limited fresh air supply. Munich Airport officially admitted that such intense snowfall in a short time created dangerous conditions for ground staff and evacuation operations, preventing the safe transport of people from runways. Industry experts, however, point to glaring shortcomings in the facility's crisis procedures, which should be prepared for winter conditions in February. Munich Airport, opened in 1992, is located on a peatland area (Moos), which means fog and specific thermal conditions often hinder flight operations in winter more frequently than in other parts of the country.The situation became so serious that it sparked a wave of criticism from passengers and experts demanding explanations regarding glaring operational negligence. Passengers, supported by law firms, are demanding not only standard entitlements under EU regulations but also compensation for violation of personal rights. Carriers are trying to demonstrate force majeure, but lawyers argue that while weather is independent, the treatment of people on board falls under the responsibility of ground staff and airlines. „Det var en nat fra helvede. Vi sad i en metaldåse uden nogen informationer og følte os som vejrets gidsler.” (It was a night from hell. We sat in a metal can without any information and felt like hostages of the weather.) — Danish passenger15 godzin — some passengers waited on the airport tarmac In recent years, European airports have been struggling with increasing staffing shortages among ground handling personnel, which during weather incidents exacerbates delays and logistical paralysis.Status of Trapped Passengers: Number of affected persons: 600, Including children (estimates): 50, Waiting over 10h: 400