In cold winter months when precipitation occurs or ice builds up on an aircraft's service, de-icing fluid is applied to the exterior of the aircraft.
There are two types of fluid — de-ice and anti-ice — with the former to be applied if ice is already present and the latter is icy conditions are expected in the air.
On the ground, however, it's up to the airport to ensure that its surfaces are safe to use to avoid incidents such as this.
Similar to on the highways, ice-melting material is applied to the taxiways and runways by trucks. Aircraft cannot safely land or depart until this is done, effectively shutting down an airport.