At Munich Airport, winter service is in the starting blocks to ensure safe operations under winter conditions from November to April. With a team of around 600 people, supported by over 180 vehicles, the smooth handling of air traffic is guaranteed, even in snow and ice.
Winter service in full force
To ensure flight operations in ice and snow, the winter service at Munich Airport is operational around the clock from November to April. A total of 184 vehicles are available, including 152 for the air traffic areas and 32 for roads and parking areas. The majority of vehicles are tractors from the surrounding region, ensuring quick mobilization and efficient snow removal.
Efficient clearance of runways
The winter service is responsible for clearing large areas, including 5.6 million square meters of runways and taxiways. Clearing a runway that is over 4,000 meters long takes around 30 minutes. Various special vehicles, including blower sweepers and loading cutters, ensure that the flight operations areas are quickly cleared of snow.
Environmentally friendly measures
In addition to mechanical cleaning, which has priority, de-icers are only used if there is a risk of icing. Channels along the runways collect the defrosting water, which is later led to the sewage treatment plant in Eitting in a controlled manner. Quartz sand is spread on certain areas instead of de-icing fluid to minimize environmental impact.
Aircraft de-icing expertise
Before take-off, aircraft have to be cleared of snow and ice, a task carried out by the “polar bears” from the Society for De-icing and Aircraft Towing at Munich Airport mbH. These special vehicles use de-icing agents in a targeted manner and can handle up to 15,000 aircraft per year. The majority of the used material is recycled, which also protects the environment.
Flughafen München GmbH is known for its outstanding infrastructure and operational safety. Through close cooperation with Deutsche Lufthansa AG and pioneering technologies, the airport ensures that safe flight operations are maintained even under extreme winter conditions. With a strong commitment to environmental friendliness, Munich Airport combines effectiveness with responsibility.
