Home » AIRLINE NEWS » Thousands of Passengers Affected as Lufthansa, Air France, British, German, Finnair and Other Airlines Cancel 75 New Flights on Routes Including Switzerland, France, Italy, UK, and Spain
Published on
September 28, 2025
By: Rana Pratap
Thousands of passengers are stranded across Europe after Lufthansa, Air France, British Airways, German Airways, Finnair, and other airlines cancelled 75 flights on routes including Switzerland, France, Italy, the UK, and Spain. These disruptions have left travelers in limbo at major airports like London Heathrow, Charles de Gaulle, Frankfurt, and Zurich. Staffing shortages, air traffic control issues, and logistical challenges have led to widespread disruptions, leaving many passengers frustrated and uncertain about their travel plans. As airlines scramble to rebook passengers and restore schedules, affected travelers are now facing long waits, rebooking hurdles, and limited availability of alternative flights. With peak travel seasons ahead, these disruptions have raised concerns over further delays and cancellations across Europe.
Airlines Affected by the Disruptions
The airlines most impacted by the cancellations include KLM, which has cancelled 24 flights, followed by Lufthansa with 16 cancellations. British Airways saw 5 flights cancelled, and Air France was forced to ground 4 flights. Additionally, Brussels Airlines also cancelled 4 flights, and easyJet saw 3 of its flights affected. Other carriers such as Vueling Airlines, Finnair, and BA Euroflyer had to cancel 2 flights each.
Here’s the full breakdown of the cancellations by airline:
Routes Affected by the Cancellations
The cancellations have primarily affected routes between major European cities. Passengers flying from the UK to France, Spain, and Italy have been particularly impacted. Routes from London Heathrow, Gatwick, and Manchester to destinations such as Paris, Madrid, Rome, and Brussels have seen significant disruptions.
Other key airports affected include Charles de Gaulle in Paris, Frankfurt International, Zurich, and Amsterdam Schiphol. Passengers flying between Germany and Spain and those travelling from Switzerland to Italy were also heavily impacted by the cancellations.
The cancellations, which affected both direct flights and connecting services, have caused major logistical issues, with passengers now scrambling to find alternative flights or to be rebooked. Many passengers on connecting flights were unable to reach their final destinations, adding to the chaos across several airports.
Causes of the Flight Cancellations
The primary causes for the widespread cancellations include staffing shortages, logistical challenges, and air traffic control issues. Several airlines, particularly Lufthansa and British Airways, have reported difficulties in managing crew and flight schedules, leading to the cancellations.
Moreover, airlines like easyJet and Brussels Airlines faced issues with air traffic management, which resulted in the grounding of flights. Adverse weather conditions, including storms and heavy winds, were also factors that contributed to the disruptions.
While operational challenges have played a major role, airlines are facing increased demand during peak travel periods, further complicating their ability to maintain flight schedules. As these issues continue, air carriers are struggling to meet demand, causing cascading effects on air travel throughout Europe.
Passenger Impact and Rights
The cancellations have left thousands of passengers stranded at airports across Europe. In addition to the logistical issues of rebooking, many passengers are facing long delays at check-in desks and customer service counters as airlines work to accommodate affected travelers.
Passengers whose flights were cancelled are entitled to compensation under EU regulations, provided the cancellations occurred within 14 days of the scheduled departure. Compensation can range from €250 to €600, depending on the distance of the flight and the duration of the delay. Additionally, passengers are entitled to food, accommodation, and transport assistance in cases of long delays.
For those with flights within the EU or departing from the UK, the European Union’s flight compensation regulations ensure that passengers are supported throughout the delay and cancellation process.
Thousands of passengers are stranded across Europe after Lufthansa, Air France, British Airways, German Airways, Finnair, and other airlines cancelled 75 flights due to staffing shortages, air traffic control issues, and logistical challenges. These disruptions have left travelers in limbo at major airports like London Heathrow, Charles de Gaulle, Frankfurt, and Zurich.
The cancellation of 75 flights across several major European airlines has caused significant disruption to travelers on critical routes to and from Switzerland, France, Italy, the UK, and Spain. As airlines continue to face operational difficulties and staffing challenges, passengers are left to deal with the aftermath, including long delays and rebooking issues.
While airlines like Lufthansa, Air France, and British Airways are working to restore flight schedules, the ripple effect from these cancellations will continue to affect air travel for the foreseeable future. Passengers are urged to stay updated on their flight status and to reach out to their respective airlines for alternative travel arrangements. In the meantime, EU regulations provide some relief for affected passengers, ensuring they receive compensation and support during this turbulent time in European air travel.
