Thousands of Travelers Stuck in Europe as Ireland, France, Netherlands, UK, Finland Cancel 238 and Delay 993 Flights Impacting British, United, KLM, Swiss, American, SAS, Turkish and More Airlines at Dublin, Paris, Amsterdam, London, Helsinki and Others

Published on
January 25, 2026

Thousands of travelers are facing major disruptions in Europe as Ireland, France, Netherlands, UK, and Finland grapple with flight cancellations and delays. Today, 238 flights have been cancelled, and 993 flights have been delayed, leaving passengers stranded across key airports in Dublin, Paris, Amsterdam, London, Helsinki, and other major cities. British Airways, United, KLM, Swiss, American Airlines, SAS, Turkish Airlines, and many other airlines have been heavily impacted by this chaos. The reason behind these widespread disruptions is a severe winter storm in the United States, which has affected air traffic globally. The storm has caused delays and cancellations at major U.S. airports, disrupting flight schedules and triggering a ripple effect across Europe. As a result, flights to and from European hubs have been delayed or canceled. Passengers are advised to stay informed and check with airlines for rebooking or compensation options, as the disruptions are expected to continue.

Europe’s busiest airports and airlines are facing a wave of travel disruptions, with delays and cancellations affecting thousands of passengers across the continent. The turmoil in flight schedules comes amid a powerful winter storm sweeping the United States, which has created knock‑on effects in global airline operations and transatlantic connectivity. This report examines the current situation in key European hubs, the airlines most affected, the broader weather drivers, and what travellers can do next.

Severe Weather in the United States Is Rippling Through European Aviation

A historic winter storm — dubbed Winter Storm Fern in the United States — is inflicting widespread chaos across North American airports. The system has brought heavy snow, freezing rain, and dangerously low temperatures across two‑thirds of the country, from Texas to New England, leading to massive flight cancellations and power outages. These conditions have forced major airlines to adjust schedules, cancel services, and reduce connectivity between the U.S. and Europe. With hubs in the United States severely impacted, European carriers such as British Airways, Air France, KLM, Lufthansa, Swiss, and Finnair have also cancelled flights bound for North America, adding pressure on operations at major European airports.

Overview of Disruptions in Key Airports

With a total of 96 delays and 97 cancellations, Heathrow has faced severe operational challenges today. Amsterdam Schiphol, another key international airport, reported 211 delays and 31 cancellations. With 176 delays and just 2 cancellations, Istanbul’s significant delay numbers stand out. The Turkish gateway is crucial for many travelers connecting between Europe, Asia, and beyond, making the delays particularly disruptive for long-haul flights.

Though the delays here are low (13), the 36 cancellations at Charles de Gaulle airport is noteworthy, affecting travelers’ ability to make critical connections across the continent. Munich reported 109 delays and 7 cancellations, while Helsinki-Vantaa, though experiencing lower disruption, still had 56 delays and 5 cancellations.AirportDelaysCancellationsLondon Heathrow9697Amsterdam Schiphol21131Charles de Gaulle/Roissy1336Munich International1097Helsinki-Vantaa565Copenhagen889Istanbul Airport1762Brussels394Dublin International4327Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas16220

Airlines Affected by the Delays and Cancellations

Several major European airlines have been significantly impacted by the disruptions across the continent. The following airlines are experiencing notable cancellations and delays:

Facing 41 cancellations and 29 delays, British Airways has been hit hard, particularly on domestic routes out of London Heathrow. With 22 cancellations and 85 delays, Air France, a key player in European air travel, is seeing operational challenges mainly out of its Paris base. KLM’s 18 cancellations and 111 delays are largely affecting flights from Amsterdam Schiphol, with some international routes also suffering significant delays.AirlineCancellations (#)Delays (#)British Airways4129Air France2285KLM18111Swiss1323Icelandair129Virgin Atlantic120Iberia1034SAS927Lufthansa485Norwegian Air Sweden234ITA Airways225Aer Lingus202Cityjet211Olympic Air23SAS Link23Finnair535Turkish Airlines2181SunExpress418

Affected Cities and Countries

From the UK and France to Scandinavia, major European cities are feeling the strain of disrupted air travel.

UK: London airports, especially Heathrow, are facing severe delays and cancellations, leaving travelers in a difficult position, especially with the city being a major international transport hub.France: Paris Charles de Gaulle is still grappling with delays, while cancellations at Air France and other airlines continue to affect travelers heading to and from the French capital.Netherlands: Amsterdam Schiphol’s connectivity to various global destinations has been hampered by delays and cancellations, severely affecting passengers looking to travel across Europe and beyond.Germany and Scandinavia: Munich and Helsinki-Vantaa, though reporting fewer cancellations, are still facing significant delays, making travel for international passengers from these cities cumbersome.Turkey: Istanbul Airport’s significant delays highlight the vulnerability of major transit airports, particularly for flights heading to the Middle East and Asia.What Affected Passengers Can Do Now

If you are among the affected passengers, here are some steps you can take to manage your travel disruptions:

Check Flight Status: Always check your flight status online before heading to the airport. Most airlines provide real-time updates via their apps or websites.Rebooking Options: Airlines are typically offering rebooking options for passengers affected by cancellations. Contact the airline’s customer service or use their app to explore new flight options.Stay Informed: Follow your airline’s social media accounts or sign up for flight alerts to stay updated on any changes or further disruptions.Explore Alternative Routes: In case your original flight is cancelled, consider flying from or to alternative airports in the region. For example, if you’re traveling from London, you could explore connections via Gatwick or Luton.Compensation and Assistance: Passengers are entitled to compensation if flights are delayed or cancelled, depending on the duration and cause of the disruption. Be sure to ask the airline about this when you contact them.Accommodation and Food: For long delays, many airlines will offer accommodation or food vouchers. Check if your airline has this option available, especially if your layover exceeds several hours.Total Delays and Cancellations Across Europe

Europe’s busiest transport hubs are struggling today amid nearly 993 delays and 238 cancellations, influenced both by local winter conditions and cascading effects from a powerful U.S. winter storm. Travellers should prepare for ongoing delays and follow the advice above to navigate travel disruption. By staying informed and flexible, passengers can improve their chances of reaching their destinations with the least inconvenience.

Source: Flightaware and affected airports