Icy conditions halt departures at Berlin airport

Flights were unable to depart from Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) on Thursday morning due to icy conditions, an airport spokeswoman said.

"No departures are currently taking place at BER due to the weather conditions," she said, adding that aircraft could not be de-iced because of rapidly freezing rain.

The disruption is affecting departures only, with incoming flights still able to land, the spokeswoman said. It remains unclear how long take-offs will be suspended.

Passengers should expect flight cancellations and significant delays and are advised to check the status of their flights with their airlines.

The German Weather Service (DWD) warned of a high risk of hazardous icy conditions in Berlin due to freezing rain and ice.