Published on
January 1, 2026
By: Paramita Sarkar
The severe winter weather that struck Warsaw Modlin Airport (WMI) on December 31, 2025, has caused major disruptions to air travel, affecting flights to several European destinations, including Brussels (Belgium), Lisbon (Portugal), Malta, and Milan (Italy). The heavy snowstorm, coupled with ice-fog conditions, led to a complete shutdown of the airport for several hours, creating a massive backlog of travelers and leaving many flights delayed or canceled.
As of late afternoon, the airport had partially resumed operations, but travelers are still grappling with significant delays, rebookings, and cancellations. With the Akcja Zima winter operations officially underway, the situation continues to evolve, and passengers are being urged to remain patient while updates are being provided.
1. The Temporary Shutdown: How the Snowstorm Affected Operations
On the morning of December 31, 2025, Warsaw Modlin Airport issued an official statement regarding its operational status, confirming the full restoration of functionality by 11:35 a.m. local time. However, the morning was marked by a total closure, which began late Tuesday night (December 30) and lasted until approximately 11:00 a.m. the next day.
The reason for the suspension of operations was attributed to intense snowfall and ice-fog conditions, which rendered the runway unsafe for both arrivals and departures. The Akcja Zima winter operation program, typically implemented during extreme weather, was activated to manage the challenging conditions, with the airport focusing on clearing the runway and ensuring safety for both passengers and flight crews.
Diversions and Alternative Routes
The closure had a ripple effect on inbound flights, with many international carriers, including Ryanair and Wizz Air, being forced to divert their flights to Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW), the primary international gateway in the city. Some flights, including routes from London and Dublin, returned to their point of origin rather than attempting to land in Modlin, further compounding the disruption.
2. Ongoing Delays and Cancellations: The Impact on Passengers
Even after the airport resumed operations, the effects of the snowstorm continued to create a chaotic scene for travelers. According to live data from FlightRadar24 and official airport updates, significant delays were reported for many departing flights.
Flight Delays
Some of the morning flights were delayed by more than 10 hours. Notably, Ryanair flight FR 628 to Brussels, which was originally scheduled to depart at 5:45 a.m., did not leave until 3:16 p.m. This delay, along with others, meant that passengers were left stranded at the airport for extended periods, dealing with crowded terminals and overwhelmed services.
Backlog of Departures
As the day progressed, several flights that were supposed to depart in the morning, including routes to Lisbon, Malta, and Milan, were still showing as “Delayed” or were just beginning to board by late evening. Passengers have been advised to check the official Modlin Airport Live Timetable for the most accurate and up-to-date information, as third-party apps and websites have been less reliable during the chaos.
Cancellations and Rescheduling
The disruptions also led to the cancellation or rescheduling of certain flights, particularly those operated by Wizz Air and Air Arabia. Wizz Air, in particular, was affected by “slot congestion” and opted to cancel or reschedule several rotations to prevent further delays. This has caused frustration for passengers, who now face additional uncertainty about when they will be able to rebook their travel.
3. The Regional Travel Context: Broader Disruptions in Northern Poland
The problems at Warsaw Modlin Airport are part of a broader transport paralysis affecting much of Northern and Central Poland. Several key routes and transportation hubs have been impacted by the snowstorm, further exacerbating the difficulties for travelers trying to make their way to the airport or navigate through the region.
S7 Expressway Blocked
The S7 Expressway, which connects Warsaw to Modlin and Gdansk, was blocked for several hours earlier today due to 16-km tailbacks caused by the snowstorm. This created severe traffic congestion, leaving many travelers unable to reach the airport by car. Authorities have advised people to use alternative transportation options, though these are not without their own challenges.
Train Delays
The Koleje Mazowieckie (KM) train service, which is another popular way to travel to Modlin Airport, has also been heavily affected. Delays of up to 60 minutes have been reported due to traffic control device failures in the Mazovia region. Travelers are advised to check the train schedules before departing, as additional delays may occur.
Warsaw Chopin Airport
While Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW) remained open throughout the snowstorm, it also faced its own set of challenges. The airport was experiencing delays for almost all departures due to mandatory de-icing procedures, which were taking 30 to 45 minutes per aircraft. This additional step in the pre-flight process caused delays for flights departing from Chopin, adding to the overall travel frustration in the region.
4. What Travelers Can Do: Actionable Advice
Given the ongoing disruptions at Warsaw Modlin and Chopin Airports, travelers are advised to take the following steps to minimize further stress and confusion.
Arrival at Airport
Modlin Airport has officially recommended that passengers arrive at least 3 hours before their scheduled departure times. The airport has become increasingly congested due to the rebooking of passengers and the significant delays in flight departures. Arriving early will give travelers ample time to navigate check-in and security, which are currently experiencing longer wait times.
Monitor Official Updates
It is highly recommended that passengers rely on the official Modlin Airport Live Timetable rather than third-party apps for real-time flight updates. The Akcja Zima status updates, provided directly by the airport, are the most accurate for runway clearing times and other operational statuses. Relying on official sources will provide the most reliable information, especially when flight schedules are shifting rapidly.
Transportation Alternatives
For those driving to the airport, it is important to note that the S7 Expressway is still experiencing delays, and traffic remains slow-moving. While the train service remains the most reliable option, travelers should be prepared for possible delays of up to 60 minutes on Koleje Mazowieckie services. Taking public transit is advisable to avoid the congestion on the roads, though it is essential to check for the latest updates regarding service disruptions.
Conclusion: A Day of Chaos for Warsaw Travelers
The snowstorm and subsequent closure of Warsaw Modlin Airport have created a significant travel disruption for passengers flying to Brussels, Lisbon, Malta, Milan, and other destinations. While operations have partially resumed, delays, cancellations, and ongoing transportation issues in the region continue to affect travelers. For those flying through Modlin or Chopin Airports, staying informed via official channels and arriving early will be key to navigating the chaos as winter weather continues to impact air travel across Poland.
Image: Ryanair
