Published on
January 5, 2026
Thousands of passengers are stuck in the UK today as EasyJet, British Airways, KLM, Air France, Scandinavian Airlines, and several other major airlines have been forced to cancel and delay flights due to severe weather disruptions. In total, 139 flights have been cancelled and 1,531 flights delayed, creating massive chaos across major airports like London Heathrow, Manchester, Bristol, and Edinburgh. The disruption, which began earlier today, has left many travelers stranded or facing long delays. Key cities such as London, Manchester, and Edinburgh are among the hardest hit. While some passengers are being rerouted, others have no choice but to wait for further updates.
Communications Breakdown Causes Airspace Closures in Greece
Thousands of passengers across Europe are stranded after a communications failure forced Greece to close its airspace, causing widespread flight cancellations and delays. The disruption began early Sunday morning, with Athens and Thessaloniki airports being the worst affected. While some flights have resumed, many inbound flights are still being diverted or returning to their origin.
The ripple effects of this disruption have reached the UK, where airports like London Heathrow, Gatwick, and Manchester are dealing with significant delays and cancellations. Many travelers are concerned they won’t be able to return home before the start of the working week. Passengers are advised to stay in contact with airlines for updates and rebooking options.
Snowstorm Chaos in the UK and Netherlands
As if the communications breakdown in Greece wasn’t enough, severe weather conditions have also caused major travel disruptions within the UK. Heavy snowfall in the North East of Scotland has led to numerous cancellations at Aberdeen Airport. These weather-related disruptions are adding to the chaos already unfolding across Europe.
Air travel across Europe faced fresh chaos this weekend due to a combination of heavy snow, strong winds, and low visibility, which forced major airlines such as KLM, EasyJet, and Air France to cancel dozens of flights. These adverse weather conditions disrupted travel plans for thousands of passengers across key European hubs including Amsterdam Schiphol, Berlin Brandenburg, and Paris Charles de Gaulle.
The severe weather system caused widespread delays and cancellations, impacting not only short-haul flights but also long-haul travellers, particularly those flying between Asia and Europe, as several connecting routes were affected. These disruptions had ripple effects across Northern, Central, and Western Europe, further compounding the travel chaos.
Analysis: Airports, Cities, and Airlines Affected
The UK’s key airports have all experienced varying levels of disruption today, with London Heathrow leading the pack in both delays and cancellations. A total of 495 delays and 44 cancellations have been recorded at Heathrow, affecting numerous international and domestic routes. London Gatwick and Manchester also saw considerable impacts, with 273 delays and 17 cancellations at Gatwick, and 267 delays with 21 cancellations at Manchester.
Airlines that have been hit hardest by the disruptions include British Airways, easyJet, and KLM, with significant cancellations and delays affecting their operations across Europe. KLM and easyJet in particular are dealing with high numbers of cancellations at airports like London Heathrow, London Gatwick, and Manchester.
Several other airlines, such as SAS, Aegean Airlines, and Delta Air Lines, have also been significantly affected by the widespread weather disruptions, both in the UK and across European hubs. This has resulted in thousands of passengers being left stranded or rerouted as they struggle to find new flights.
What Affected Passengers Can Do Now
For passengers affected by these widespread disruptions, it is crucial to stay informed through airline updates, as well as checking with their respective airports for any changes or developments. Many airlines have allowed for rebooking or refunds due to the extreme weather and airspace disruptions.
If you’re traveling through London Heathrow, London Gatwick, or Manchester, you can expect delays of up to several hours, with some flights still being cancelled. EasyJet and British Airways have been offering rebooking options for affected passengers, although availability may be limited due to high demand.
Long-haul travelers, particularly those connecting through Europe and traveling between Asia and Europe, are advised to check for alternate routes or potential diversions. Airlines may offer assistance for rebooking onto flights departing from other nearby hubs.
Given the severity of the weather and ongoing disruptions, affected travelers are also advised to contact their airlines directly to understand the best course of action. Airlines like easyJet and KLM have special customer service numbers set up to deal with these extraordinary conditions.
Total Delays and Cancellations
As of today, the total number of delays across the affected airports in the UK stands at 1,531, with 139 cancellations. These figures reflect the serious impact of both the weather in the UK and the communications failure in Greece, with major airlines, such as easyJet, British Airways, and KLM, bearing the brunt of the disruption.
For anyone who has yet to travel, it is highly recommended to recheck flight statuses before heading to the airport. Be prepared for further delays and ensure that you have access to updated travel information from your airline or airport.
