Published on
January 2, 2026
Thousands of travelers across Europe, including the UK, Netherlands, France, Germany, Spain, and Italy, are facing severe travel disruptions due to winter storms. With 616 cancellations and 6,885 delays, passengers are stranded at key airports, including Amsterdam Schiphol, London, Paris, Frankfurt, Barcelona, and Rome. KLM, British Airways, easyJet, Lufthansa, and several other airlines have been heavily impacted, with flights cancelled or delayed for hours. In the UK, snow and ice warnings continue to affect London and other major cities, while the Netherlands and Germany battle freezing temperatures and snowfall. Travelers in France, Spain, and Italy are also experiencing significant disruptions.
The storm’s widespread impact is causing chaos at some of Europe’s busiest hubs, leaving passengers with few options for alternative travel. Authorities urge passengers to stay informed and remain flexible.
Total Delays and Cancellations Across Europe
According to the provided data, the total number of cancellations across European airports is 616, and the total number of delays is 6,885. These figures highlight the extent of the travel disruptions caused by the ongoing cold wave and snowfall. The numbers will likely continue to rise as the weather conditions worsen, affecting airports and cities across Europe.
Snowstorm Causes Major Travel Disruptions at Schiphol Airport
Severe snow and icy conditions have forced Schiphol Airport to cancel numerous flights, with up to 10 centimeters of snow expected in central and eastern parts of the Netherlands. By Saturday, the airport had already cancelled 58 departing and 50 arriving flights, adding to the over 300 cancellations and 600 delays on Friday. KLM, the largest airline at Schiphol, and its subsidiary, Transavia, were the most affected. Further cancellations and delays are expected as the snowstorm persists.
The disruptions are caused by a mix of heavy snowfall, freezing rain, and low temperatures, which have led to hazardous road conditions across the Netherlands. A Code Yellow weather warning for snow, ice, and freezing temperatures has been issued, with snow removal operations underway to maintain road safety. Additionally, Storm Anna, a low-pressure system, is exacerbating delays, especially for flights arriving from outside Europe. De-icing aircraft has become a time-consuming process, further delaying flight departures.
UK Faces Major Travel Disruptions Due to Snow and Ice
The UK is experiencing freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall, particularly in Scotland, where some regions are expected to receive up to 40 centimeters of snow. This severe weather has caused significant travel disruptions, especially for flights and rail services. The UK Met Office has issued an amber Cold Health Alert across the country, warning residents to avoid non-essential travel due to hazardous conditions. The severe weather has already led to hundreds of flight cancellations, rail delays, and school closures. Snow and ice warnings remain in place for the majority of the UK, including England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
In addition to the UK, other European countries have also been severely affected by the cold wave. Countries such as France, Belgium, Croatia, and Germany are experiencing freezing temperatures, while Spain and the Netherlands are also facing extreme cold, with rivers and canals in the Netherlands frozen over. These conditions have led to dangerous driving and traveling situations, with fatalities already reported across the continent due to weather-related incidents.
Analysis of Affected Airports, Cities, and Airlines
The severe weather is not only affecting the UK and Netherlands but is causing widespread disruptions across several European airports and cities. Some of the hardest-hit airports include:
Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS): With a total of 317 cancellations and 508 delays, Schiphol is one of the worst-affected airports in Europe. As a major hub for international flights, the airport is experiencing significant backlogs and delays, with passengers facing extended waiting times.
London Heathrow (LHR): Heathrow, the busiest airport in the UK, has seen 13 cancellations and 415 delays, causing major disruption for both domestic and international travelers.
London Gatwick (LGW): Another major UK airport, Gatwick has experienced 6 cancellations and 329 delays, contributing to the overall travel chaos.
Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG): French airports, including Charles de Gaulle, have also been impacted, with several cancellations and delays affecting flights to and from major European destinations.
Frankfurt (FRA): Germany’s largest airport, Frankfurt, has seen 10 cancellations and 464 delays. The severe weather has not only affected flights but also rail services, adding to the travel woes.
AirportCancellationsDelaysAberdeen (ABZ)719Alicante (ALC)665Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS)317508Athens Int’l, Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH)3124Barcelona Int’l (BCN)11323Basel-Mulhouse (EAP)788Berlin-Brandenburg (BER)10200Bergen, Flesland (BGO)551Birmingham Int’l (BHX)778Bordeaux-Merignac (BOD)771Bristol Int’l (BRS)333Brussels (BRU)7106Copenhagen (CPH)12155Dublin Int’l (DUB)8185Edinburgh (EDI)6104Frankfurt Int’l (FRA)10464Geneva Cointrin Int’l (GVA)2196Glasgow Int’l (GLA)746Hamburg (HAM)9112Helsinki-Vantaa (HEL)5187Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Int’l (SAW)13296Krakow Int’l (KRK)5105Leeds Bradford Int’l (LBA)836Linate (LIN)229Lisbon, General Humberto Delgado (LIS)5253London City (LCY)1028London Gatwick (LGW)6329London Heathrow (LHR)13415London Luton (LTN)5130Lyon (LYS)562Madrid, Adolfo Suárez Barajas (MAD)5250Malpensa Int’l (MXP)6178Manchester (MAN)14195Marseille Provence (MRS)328Munich Int’l (MUC)12262Nantes Atlantique (NTE)417Naples Int’l (Capodichino) (NAP)244Oslo, Gardermoen (OSL)11286Prague, Václav Havel Airport (PRG)6117Stockholm-Arlanda (ARN)23393Toulouse-Blagnac (TLS)438Vienna Int’l (Schwechat) (VIE)284Zurich (Kloten)13195
Disrupted Airlines Affected European Travel
The affected airlines include major European carriers such as KLM, British Airways, easyJet, Lufthansa, Air France, and Iberia, with thousands of passengers experiencing significant delays and cancellations. KLM alone had 168 cancellations and 284 delays, while easyJet faced 49 cancellations and 774 delays across Europe.
AirlineCancellationsDelaysAer Lingus328Aer Lingus UK21Air Baltic258Air Canada Rouge (ACA)433Air Dolomiti150Air France38213Austrian Airlines159BA CityFlyer215British Airways5253Cityjet420easyJet49774Emerald Airlines322Finnair3148German Airways1117Helvetic210HOP!731Iberia245Jetstar9129KLM168284KLM Cityhopper30Lufthansa7299Lufthansa Cityline447Norwegian Air Sweden2141Olympic Air411Porter Airlines468Royal Air Maroc257SAS17133SAS Link521Scandinavian Airlines Ireland534SunExpress373Swiss564TACV25Turkish Airlines6301Vueling Airlines14199WestJet684WestJet Encore150Wizz Air2189Wizz Air Malta3118
What Affected Passengers Can Do Now
For passengers traveling to or from affected airports, it is crucial to stay informed and take proactive measures. Here are some steps passengers can take to manage the disruptions:
Check Flight Status: Airlines are advising passengers to check their flight status regularly. Many airlines are offering the option to rebook or reschedule flights online, so passengers should consider changing their travel dates to avoid further delays.
Plan for Longer Wait Times: Passengers should be prepared for long wait times at airports and train stations. In some cases, passengers may need to make alternate travel arrangements if their original flight is cancelled.
Accommodation and Compensation: For stranded passengers, many airlines are offering hotel accommodations, especially for those whose flights have been cancelled. Passengers are advised to keep receipts for any additional expenses, as many airlines are providing compensation for out-of-pocket costs.
Monitor Weather Alerts: Passengers should keep an eye on the weather forecasts and any updates issued by local authorities or the airport, as conditions can change rapidly.
Conclusion: How to Navigate the Chaos
With the severe cold wave and snowfall set to continue, passengers across Europe will face ongoing travel disruptions. Major airports like Schiphol, Heathrow, and Gatwick will remain at the forefront of these disruptions, while cities like Paris, Frankfurt, and Berlin are also heavily impacted. Passengers are advised to plan ahead, check their flight and train status frequently, and prepare for potential delays and cancellations.
As the winter storm continues to affect the region, it’s crucial for passengers to stay flexible and proactive to minimize the impact of the weather on their travel plans.
Source: FlightAware and Affected Airports
