A spokesperson for Berlin Brandenburg Airport announced Friday that all takeoffs and landings have been suspended since Thursday due to the accumulation of “black ice.” The timeline for resuming operations remains uncertain.
“Black ice” refers to a thin, glass-like layer of ice that forms on dry surfaces when temperatures drop below freezing. Though not literally black, it is transparent, allowing the dark surface beneath to show through, making it nearly invisible to drivers and pedestrians and increasing the risk of accidents.
The spokesperson explained that freezing rain continues to affect the runways, preventing safe operations. Ground crews worked overnight applying de-icing materials, but the surfaces remain dangerously slippery.
For safety reasons, flight operations have been temporarily halted. Passengers are advised to regularly check the status of their flights before heading to the airport.
Sources – Agencies