Published on
January 3, 2026
Thousands of travelers are facing significant disruptions at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport today as severe weather conditions have caused chaos. KLM, easyJet, Air France, Lufthansa, HOP!, and several other airlines are experiencing a combined total of 352 flight cancellations and more than 500 delays. The primary cause of this widespread disruption is the heavy snowfall and strong winds affecting the region. These weather conditions have severely impacted flights not only within the Netherlands, but also to and from other countries such as France, the UK, Germany, Switzerland, and beyond. As a result, many passengers have been stranded, and others are facing long delays. The situation is expected to worsen as the storm continues, making it difficult for airlines and airport authorities to manage the growing number of cancellations and delays. Travelers are urged to check flight statuses and prepare for more disruptions throughout the day.
Affected Major Countries and Airports
Major European countries and cities heavily impacted by flight cancellations and delays include the Netherlands (Amsterdam), France (Paris, Nantes, Bordeaux, Lyon, Marseille), United Kingdom (Manchester, London, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Leeds, Birmingham), Germany (Munich, Frankfurt, Berlin), Switzerland (Zurich), Spain (Barcelona), Denmark (Copenhagen), Poland (Krakow), Turkey (Istanbul), Czech Republic (Prague), Belgium (Brussels), Sweden (Stockholm), Portugal (Lisbon), Italy (Milan, Florence), Finland (Helsinki), Norway (Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger), Ireland (Dublin), Hungary (Budapest), Austria (Vienna), and Greece (Athens).
Flight Cancellations
AirlineFlights CancelledFlights DelayedKLM197312easyJet3647Air France231Vueling Airlines149German Airways1317Lufthansa81HOP!75SAS70Turkish Airlines65Pegasus Airlines44Lufthansa Cityline40KLM Cityhopper30Swiss33Nippon Cargo30Aer Lingus34British Airways39Cityjet21Air Baltic29BA CityFlyer22Iberia22Helvetic20Royal Air Maroc20Scandinavian Airlines Ireland10Air Dolomiti10Air Arabia Maroc13Finnair12Austrian Airlines10Norwegian Air Sweden12
Affected Airlines
The airlines include KLM, easyJet, Air France, Vueling Airlines, German Airways, Lufthansa, HOP!, SAS, Turkish Airlines, Pegasus Airlines, Lufthansa Cityline, KLM Cityhopper, Swiss, Nippon Cargo, Aer Lingus, British Airways, Cityjet, Air Baltic, BA CityFlyer, Iberia, Helvetic, Royal Air Maroc, Scandinavian Airlines Ireland, Air Dolomiti, Air Arabia Maroc, Finnair, Austrian Airlines, and Norwegian Air Sweden. These airlines span a wide range of countries, offering both domestic and international flights, and they are all currently facing various levels of flight cancellations and delays due to the ongoing adverse weather conditions at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport.
Reason Behind Flight Cancellations
The primary reason behind the flight cancellations at Amsterdam Schiphol and other major European airports today is the severe winter weather, specifically snowfall and strong winds. These extreme conditions have significantly impacted airport operations, making it unsafe for flights to proceed as scheduled.
Snowfall has created hazardous conditions on runways, aprons, and taxiways, leading to reduced runway capacity and slower aircraft movements. This often results in significant delays as planes are unable to take off or land at the usual pace. Additionally, the snow requires de-icing procedures, which take extra time and further slow operations.
The strong winds have also made it difficult for pilots to safely take off and land aircraft, particularly at airports with multiple runways and during high crosswinds. This, combined with snow, makes controlling the aircraft more challenging, leading to further delays or cancellations as safety takes priority.
With 500+ delays and 352 cancellations, airlines have been forced to either delay flights or cancel them entirely to manage the disruption caused by the weather. These weather-related disruptions have affected several countries, including the Netherlands, France, Germany, UK, Switzerland, and others.
What to Do if Your Flight Gets Cancelled: A Quick Guide
Flight cancellations can be frustrating, but knowing the right steps to take can help minimize stress. Here’s what you can do if you find yourself in this situation:
Stay Updated
Monitor your email, phone, and the airline’s app for rebooking confirmation or further announcements.
Stay Calm and Check for Updates
As soon as you learn your flight is canceled, stay calm and check for updates. Many airlines will notify you via text, email, or their app. Visit the airline’s website for real-time updates on the situation.
Contact the Airline
Reach out to the airline’s customer service either in person at the airport or over the phone. If you’re at the airport, head to the service desk. If you’re not, try calling or using the airline’s online chat system to avoid waiting in long queues.
Know Your Rights
Familiarize yourself with the airline’s policies regarding cancellations. Many airlines offer rebooking options or compensation, especially if the cancellation is within their control. In the EU, for example, passengers are entitled to compensation under certain conditions.
Consider Alternative Flights
Ask the airline about the next available flight. If you can’t find a suitable option, consider booking a new flight through another airline, or check for other forms of transport like trains or buses.
The combination of snowfall, strong winds, and freezing temperatures has led to widespread flight cancellations and delays at Schiphol and several other major European airports. With 352 cancellations and 500 delays across numerous airlines, travelers are experiencing one of the busiest and most chaotic travel days in recent history. If you’re affected, remain patient, keep updated with your airline, and know your rights to compensation.
Source: FlightAware and affected airports
