Freezing rain cancels all departures from Frankfurt airport

Germany's largest and most important aviation hub, in Frankfurt, cancelled all departures as of midday Wednesday, as planes cannot be safely de-iced due to freezing rain, a spokesman for the airport's operator Fraport said.

Further landings will also be stopped after 3 pm (1400 GMT) as parking positions for aircraft at Frankfurt Airport are filling up.

A Fraport spokeswoman said on Wednesday afternoon that further action would be taken depending on the weather conditions.

Frankfurt Airport is among the busiest airports in Europe.

Winter weather in western and southern Germany has caused travel chaos throughout the country, especially for air carrier Lufthansa, which operates hubs in Frankfurt and Munich.

A Frankfurt Airport spokeswoman said that terminals remain mostly quiet and staff are waiting to see how many passengers need to be rebooked onto other flights.

Temporary beds had already been set up the day before in case passengers were stranded, and snacks and drinks were also available, she said.

The interruption to operations will also lead to delays and flight cancellations at Frankfurt Airport this Thursday, according to the operator.