Published on
January 7, 2026
Travel disruptions in the Netherlands have reached a peak today, as passengers at Amsterdam Schiphol and Eindhoven Airport face chaos due to an alarming number of flight delays and cancellations. Key airlines such as KLM, easyJet, Air France, German Airways, and Vueling are among those affected, with hundreds of flights delayed and canceled, causing frustration for travelers heading to and from Europe.
As of the latest updates, Amsterdam Schiphol Airport has reported 347 delays and a staggering 592 cancellations, primarily impacting international routes to and from Europe, North America, and beyond. Meanwhile, Eindhoven Airport, while relatively quieter, reported 19 delays with no cancellations. Both airports are facing a massive strain on their operations due to a combination of weather conditions, increased passenger traffic, and air traffic control limitations.
Amsterdam Schiphol: Over 900 Disruptions in One Day
Amsterdam Schiphol, one of the busiest airports in Europe, has seen the largest disruption, with 347 delays and 592 cancellations recorded today. Airlines including KLM, Air France, German Airways, and easyJet are struggling to maintain timely operations as hundreds of flights have been delayed, and many others canceled. The delays, spanning hours, are affecting both long-haul flights and European connections, particularly those bound for major destinations like London, Paris, and New York.
Among the hardest-hit carriers is KLM, which reported 170 delays and 398 cancellations, marking a 66% cancellation rate. The airline, which serves as the Netherlands’ flagship carrier, is working hard to accommodate passengers but has faced criticism for the lack of timely updates. Air France and easyJet are also in the spotlight, with 11 cancellations and 19 delays from easyJet alone.
Vueling Airlines, another major carrier operating out of Schiphol, faced 6 cancellations and 11 delays. Passengers on flights from Schiphol to Spain, Italy, and the United Kingdom have been particularly affected. Authorities at the airport are urging travelers to monitor their flight status closely as the situation develops.
Impact Across Origin Airports: Europe, North America, and Beyond
The disruptions are not isolated to Amsterdam alone. Eindhoven Airport, which primarily serves low-cost carriers, is also facing some degree of disruption, though the delays are significantly lower compared to Schiphol. With 19 delays but no cancellations, travelers flying with Ryanair, TUI Airlines, and Transavia Airlines from Eindhoven are experiencing minor delays, mainly on regional flights to Spain, Portugal, and Germany.
However, Amsterdam Schiphol’s flight cancellations have rippled through European airspace, with many passengers rerouted to other airports across the continent. Flights from Charles de Gaulle in Paris, Zurich (Kloten), London City, and Berlin Brandenburg have seen significant delays, with British Airways, Lufthansa, and Transavia Airlines among the most impacted. Passengers traveling to and from these major hubs have been warned to expect delays well into the evening.
Airlines and Airports Struggle to Maintain Operations Amid Delays
For the airlines and the airports involved, today has been a logistical nightmare. Despite efforts to provide rebookings and updates, passengers continue to face significant inconvenience. Airlines like KLM have been advising passengers to rebook flights for the following day or even later, as the delays continue to mount.
KLM, easyJet, Vueling, and other airlines are working closely with ground staff to expedite boarding and ensure that passengers are provided with timely information. However, the airport facilities are overwhelmed, with long lines at check-in counters, security checks, and baggage claim areas.
The Dutch Civil Aviation Authority has stated that the delays are primarily due to heavy air traffic, compounded by technical issues and weather-related factors. They’ve advised that air traffic control is functioning at full capacity, but the backlog of flights has resulted in prolonged waiting times for travelers.
What Passengers Can Do: Tips for Navigating the Chaos
Passengers flying through Amsterdam Schiphol and Eindhoven Airport are advised to stay informed and prepared for delays:
Check for Flight Updates: Travelers should regularly monitor their flight status via their airline’s website or the airport’s official site to receive real-time information on their flight’s status.Stay in Contact with Airlines: If your flight is delayed or canceled, airlines are offering rebooking options. Ensure you confirm these options through their customer service channels.Expect Delays at Security and Boarding: With high passenger volumes and staffing shortages, security checks and boarding processes are taking longer than usual. Passengers should arrive early to account for these delays.Prepare for Possible Overnights: Travelers who have experienced significant cancellations may need to stay overnight at their departure airport. Airlines like KLM and easyJet are providing accommodations for stranded passengers, though availability is limited.A Larger Issue for the European Aviation Sector
The disruptions seen today are not isolated to Schiphol or Eindhoven. Across Europe, many airports are struggling with similar delays and cancellations. The industry is still recovering from the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, and with passenger demand soaring, airlines and airports are under immense pressure to keep up with the influx of travelers.
Experts predict that delays like those seen today may continue as the summer travel season approaches, highlighting the need for infrastructure improvements at major airports across the continent. Meanwhile, travelers are urged to be prepared for more delays as the aviation sector works to restore normalcy.
Conclusion: A Long Road Ahead for Travelers
For passengers traveling to and from Amsterdam Schiphol, Eindhoven, and other affected airports, today’s disruption has been a stark reminder of the challenges still facing the aviation industry. While the immediate situation is being addressed, travelers should be prepared for ongoing delays and potential cancellations in the coming days.
As KLM, easyJet, and other major airlines continue to manage their operations under intense pressure, passengers are encouraged to stay informed and flexible with their travel plans. Despite the disruptions, airlines and airports are working to ensure that travel chaos does not become the norm, but for today, thousands of travelers remain stuck, waiting for the dust to settle.
