On August 16, 2023, Frankfurt Airport (FRA) experienced severe flight disruption and cancelations due to heavy rain and flooding caused by thunderstorms. Ground handling work came to a standstill for over two hours, and more than 20 arriving flights had to divert to other airports. The disruption affected over a thousand passengers.
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Videos circulating on social media show planes parked at the airport with surrounding areas flooded with water. Some passengers were also unable to disembark from aircraft that had managed to land. Around 70 flights had to be canceled due to poor weather, and the airport spokesperson said that ground handling work came to a complete standstill for more than two hours.
Severe weather, including thunderstorms, is forecast in several areas of central, southeastern, southwestern, and Western Germany until early August 17th. Heavy rainfall was reported from 20:00 to 23:00 local time in Frankfurt. According to local public broadcaster Hessische Rundfunk, meteorologists recorded more than 25,000 lightning strikes in about an hour.
This incident serves as a reminder of the potential disruptions that can occur when unexpected weather conditions arise. Passengers are advised to check with their airlines for updates on their flights.