Published on
January 3, 2026
Netherlands faces new travel chaos as a powerful snowstorm wreaks havoc across Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, resulting in hundreds of flights being canceled and delayed. The severe weather conditions have disrupted travel not only within the Netherlands but also across major European destinations, including the UK, Italy, Ireland, Switzerland, and Germany. Airlines such as KLM, EasyJet, Air France, HOP!, SAS, and several others have been significantly impacted, with cancellations and delays affecting both short-haul and long-haul routes. The ongoing snowstorm has led to widespread travel disruptions, leaving passengers stranded and struggling with rebooking challenges.
Netherlands has been grappling with severe disruptions at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport following a massive snowstorm that hit the region, leading to widespread flight cancellations and delays. The chaos has not only impacted travelers within the Netherlands but has also extended across major European routes, affecting airports in the UK, Italy, Ireland, Switzerland, Germany, and beyond. Airlines including KLM, EasyJet, Air France, HOP!, SAS, and several others have been severely impacted, causing ripples throughout the European and international aviation networks. The snowstorm, which began on Day 1 of this week, has proven to be one of the worst winter weather disruptions in recent memory.
Day 1 – The Onset of Disruption: A Bitter Start to the Week
As the snowstorm began its fierce march across the region, Schiphol Airport, one of Europe’s busiest hubs, saw its operations severely compromised. On Day 1, the airport reported over 670 flight delays and a staggering 395 cancellations. The snowstorm’s impact was felt most acutely by KLM, which had a significant number of its flights grounded, with cancellations totaling 207, making up 30% of the carrier’s scheduled departures for the day.
The weather conditions also affected EasyJet, which saw 50 cancellations and 52 delays, equating to a 41% cancellation rate. Other carriers, including Air France and Vueling Airlines, experienced similarly significant disruptions. As the snow continued to fall and temperatures dropped to record lows, the delays stretched into hours, frustrating travelers who were left stranded at the airport.
Here’s a breakdown of Day 1 disruptions at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport:
Day 1: Flight Cancellations and Delays (Summary)
AirlineCancellations% of Total CancellationsDelays% of Total DelaysKLM20730%35553%EasyJet5041%5242%Air France2672%25%Vueling Airlines1555%933%German Airways1436%1950%HOP!960%640%SAS9100%00%Lufthansa880%330%Turkish Airlines640%533%Swiss583%233%
Despite the best efforts of the airport and airlines to manage the situation, the snowstorm’s ferocity left few unaffected. The heaviest delays and cancellations occurred on European short-haul routes, particularly those connecting the Netherlands to major cities across Europe, including the UK, France, Germany, and Italy.
Day 1 – Flight Cancellations and Delays by Route
FlightAirlineRouteDeparture Time (CET)DAL73DeltaHartsfield-Jackson (Atlanta)10:45 AMKLM975KLMHumberside (HUY)9:20 PMGER1805German AirwaysDüsseldorf (DUS)9:20 PMKLM1969KLMZagreb (ZAG)9:10 PMGER1289German AirwaysAalborg (AAL)9:10 PMKLM1247KLMLinkoping (LPI)9:00 PMKLM1659KLMFlorence (FLR)9:00 PM
This table shows a snapshot of the initial wave of cancellations, including both long-haul and European short-haul flights, which were hit hardest by the adverse weather conditions.
Day 2 – Ongoing Snowstorm and Increased Disruptions
On Day 2, the situation worsened as the snowstorm continued its rampage across the region. Schiphol reported another 159 delays and 191 cancellations, with KLM again being the hardest hit. The Dutch airline canceled 138 flights, accounting for 22% of its scheduled departures, and saw 78 delays, representing 12% of its flights.
As snow and sleet continued to blanket the region, many travelers faced another day of frustration, with some even being forced to rebook for the following day. The airlines affected included not only KLM but also easyJet, Air France, and SAS, with many routes either being completely canceled or delayed by several hours.
The situation at Schiphol was further compounded by poor visibility, icy runways, and the logistical challenges of rescheduling a large number of flights. The snowstorm also caused delays in air traffic control, further exacerbating the already critical situation.
Day 2: Flight Cancellations and Delays (Summary)
AirlineCancellations% of Total CancellationsDelays% of Total DelaysKLM13822%7812%EasyJet1216%2636%Air France1029%38%German Airways1030%39%KLM Cityhopper675%00%HOP!541%18%SAS266%00%BA CityFlyer266%00%Vueling Airlines29%733%Air Baltic213%00%
Day 2 – Flight Cancellations and Delays by Route
FlightAirlineRouteDeparture Time (CET)DAL73DeltaHartsfield-Jackson (Atlanta)10:45 AMKLM975KLMHumberside (HUY)9:20 PMGER1805German AirwaysDüsseldorf (DUS)9:20 PMKLM1969KLMZagreb (ZAG)9:10 PMGER1289German AirwaysAalborg (AAL)9:10 PMKLM1247KLMLinkoping (LPI)9:00 PMKLM1659KLMFlorence (FLR)9:00 PM
As the snowstorm continues to cause disruption across Europe, Schiphol’s operations are unlikely to return to normal anytime soon. The situation remains fluid, with many travelers still uncertain about their travel plans in the coming days.
Impact Beyond Amsterdam
The snowstorm’s ripple effects were felt far beyond the Netherlands. Airports across the UK, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, and France reported delays and cancellations due to the severe weather. Particularly affected were major hubs like London Heathrow, Paris Charles de Gaulle, and Frankfurt Airport, where passengers experienced long queues, missed connections, and delayed flights.
In addition to the weather-related delays, travelers on connecting flights to and from Amsterdam Schiphol were also affected. The snowstorm led to widespread disruptions not only on flights but also on the ground, where many rail and road networks were also severely delayed. The ongoing situation has prompted several airlines to issue travel advisories, urging passengers to check the status of their flights and consider rebooking.
Looking Ahead: What Travelers Need to Know
As the snowstorm continues to wreak havoc across Europe, travelers are advised to stay updated on the latest flight statuses and consider flexible travel arrangements. Schiphol and other affected airports have advised passengers to monitor their flights and plan accordingly. While the weather conditions are expected to improve in the coming days, disruptions could continue throughout the week.
Passengers flying on KLM and other affected airlines are encouraged to contact their airlines for information on rebooking or compensation. Airlines are also offering flexible policies, including the option to change flight dates without incurring additional fees, given the exceptional nature of the disruptions.
The snowstorm that has hit Amsterdam Schiphol and much of Northern Europe serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of winter travel. With hundreds of flights canceled and delayed, the effects of the storm will be felt for days to come, as travelers continue to contend with disrupted schedules and poor weather conditions. While the snowstorm may be subsiding, its impact on European and international travel is likely to persist.
Netherlands is facing new travel chaos as a snowstorm causes hundreds of flights to be canceled and delayed, severely impacting major European destinations like the UK, Italy, Ireland, Switzerland, and Germany. Airlines such as KLM, EasyJet, Air France, HOP!, and SAS are among those affected by the severe weather.
In these challenging times, it’s crucial for travelers to stay informed and prepared. Checking for updates, adjusting travel plans, and remaining flexible will be key to navigating the ongoing disruption.
