Munich Airport Implements Comprehensive Winter Service for Safe Operations

To maintain safe operations during harsh winter conditions, Munich Airport has initiated its winter maintenance service, running from early November until mid-April. In the event of snowfall and icy conditions, the airport mobilizes its winter maintenance convoy, which consists of 184 specialized vehicles.

 

Resources and Personnel Deployed

Of the 184 vehicles, 152 are dedicated to clearing and de-icing airfield areas, while 32 focus on roads, paths, and parking areas in the airport's public spaces. Approximately 600 personnel are involved in this effort, with around 520 coming from local agriculture and haulage companies. More than 200 emergency services staff are on duty each shift to ensure the airport remains free of snow and ice.

Clearing Extensive Areas

Munich Airport's runways, aprons, and taxiways span an impressive 5.6 million square meters, roughly equivalent to 780 soccer fields. Clearing a runway that exceeds 4,000 meters in length and 60 meters in width typically takes about 30 minutes.

The airport employs a variety of specialized equipment, including 22 snow sweepers, five rotary snowplows, and a snowcat. Recent upgrades have enhanced the efficiency of existing vehicles, including plows with wider clearing capabilities. Additionally, local tractors equipped with snowplows contribute to the clearing efforts.

Continuous Monitoring for Safety

The winter maintenance team is activated by the Airport Operations division, which monitors conditions around the clock. Supported by forecasts from Germany’s National Meteorological Service and an early warning system for black ice, Airport Operations uses data from 18 measuring stations located throughout the airport to assess conditions. Special vehicles also regularly check runway braking conditions.

Efficient Snow Management

As snow is cleared, it is transported to six designated snow depots, where up to 2.2 million cubic meters can accumulate each season. An underground collection reservoir prevents meltwater from being released into the environment.

Prioritizing environmental protection, mechanical cleaning of traffic areas is emphasized, with surface de-icers applied only when absolutely necessary. Silica sand is also used in certain areas as an alternative to de-icing fluids.

Aircraft De-Icing Operations

In addition to maintaining ground safety, aircraft must also be de-iced before takeoff. This task is handled by specialized vehicles known as "polar bears," operated by the Company for De-Icing and Aircraft Towing at Munich Airport Ltd. (EFM), a subsidiary of Deutsche Lufthansa AG. These vehicles can de-ice up to 15,000 aircraft annually, ensuring safe departures from small jets to large Airbus A380s. The de-icing agents used are collected and largely recycled.

 

While extreme winter weather poses challenges for airport operations, including potential delays, Munich Airport's comprehensive winter service ensures the safety of flight operations remains a top priority. Through meticulous preparation, advanced equipment, and skilled personnel, the airport is well-equipped to handle the demands of the winter season.