Travelers heading to Vienna International Airport are facing major disruptions as rail services are suspended for more than two weeks due to ongoing construction work.
Austria’s national railway operator, ÖBB, has temporarily halted direct train connections to the airport as part of its broader modernization program in Vienna and Lower Austria, reported by Heute. The disruption, which began on Friday, will continue until July 27.
At the center of the project are the so-called “Kledering loops,” a key infrastructure upgrade near the Vienna city boundary. The new design will create a grade-separated connection between the S7 suburban line and the eastern railway, allowing trains to run more smoothly without crossing paths. Officials say this will improve capacity on both lines and strengthen long-term rail access to the airport.
However, the required track adjustments mean that only limited long-distance train services can operate during this period. Railjet services between Vienna Central Station and the airport have been replaced with buses, forcing passengers to adjust their travel plans.
Railjet Xpress (RJX) trains are continuing to run as scheduled, offering some relief for travelers, though options remain reduced.
The disruptions are part of a wider effort to modernize Vienna’s rail network. Work is also ongoing on the city’s main S-Bahn line, where the section between Praterstern and Floridsdorf is closed throughout the summer.
Further closures are planned later this year. From September 7, the line between Vienna Central Station and Praterstern will be shut until the end of October to allow for additional upgrades.
While the construction work promises faster and more reliable connections in the future, passengers are currently facing delays, detours, and crowded replacement services during the busy summer travel season.
