Approximately 30 Stadler FLIRT EMUs from the MÁV fleet have been taken out of service in Hungary due to extreme temperatures. The trains, among the most modern and air-conditioned vehicles in the Hungarian rail operator’s fleet, were designed for reliable operation at outdoor temperatures of up to 35 degrees Celsius, but temperatures exceeding 40 degrees have been recorded in Hungary in recent days.
The heat wave is causing disruptions on several railway lines in Hungary after approximately 30 Stadler FLIRT trains operated by MÁV, the Hungarian state-owned railway operator, became inoperable due to overheating.
The announcement was made by Dávid Vitézy, Minister of Transport and Investment, who stated that the situation is changing by the minute and that MÁV is working to replace the trains that have been temporarily taken out of service.
“The Stadler FLIRT trains, manufactured by the Swiss company Stadler, are among the most modern air-conditioned trains in the MÁV fleet and are also some of the most widely purchased rail vehicles in Europe over the past 20 years. But even these modern trains cannot withstand the current extreme heat,” Vitézy wrote.
Trains Designed for 35 Degrees
According to the Hungarian official, one of the causes is related to the technical requirements established at the time of purchase. 10–20 years ago, when these trains were purchased, the requirement imposed on the manufacturer was that the vehicles remain operational at outside temperatures of up to 35 degrees Celsius.
In the meantime, however, such temperatures are no longer necessarily exceptional during the summer.
“Unfortunately, after less than two decades, we’ve reached the point where 35 degrees seems more like a typical summer day than extreme weather, given that temperatures of 42 degrees were recorded across the country today,” said Vitézy.
MÁV reported that, under the intense sun, the metal structures of train roofs and certain interior spaces essential for operation reach temperatures of 60–70 degrees Celsius.
Delays on Several Lines
Train breakdowns have caused delays and service changes on several lines. MÁV is attempting to replace the unavailable trains, but the large number of affected multiple units in such a short time is complicating traffic management.
Operational information is being updated via MÁVinform, the platform used by the operator to announce train service updates.
Vitézy used the incident to draw attention to the impact of climate change on public transportation. According to him, the effects of climate change are no longer a distant concern but influence the daily operation of transportation systems.
“In terms of transportation, this means two things: on the one hand, more resources must be allocated to public transportation, especially for the development of the railway, since all research shows that it is the most sustainable form of transportation. In the short term, we must pay much more attention to adapting to climate change,” said the Hungarian official.
Climate adaptation becomes a technical criterion
The case of FLIRT trains in Hungary shows that rail vehicles considered modern can experience problems under temperature conditions that exceed the technical parameters established at the time of purchase.
For rail operators, the issue is no longer just about passenger comfort, but about the trains’ ability to operate safely during periods of severe heat waves. Air-conditioning systems, traction equipment, technical compartments, and roof-mounted components become vulnerable when outdoor temperatures exceed the values for which they were designed.
Vitézy said that the entire transportation system, including every vehicle, must be adapted to remain operational during extreme heat waves.
“This won’t happen overnight, but compared to the past, it is already a significant step forward that sustainability and climate adaptation are finally emerging as key factors in the new government’s decision-making,” the minister said.
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