Home » Airlines News of Europe » Europe is Hit by Air Travel Chaos as Air France, British, KLM, Vueling, Finnair and Other Airlines Face 44 Cancellations and 1,492 Delays Across Germany, Spain, Finland, Russia at Frankfurt, Madrid, Rovaniemi, Moscow and More
Published on
December 27, 2025
Europe is currently grappling with significant air travel chaos, as Air France, British Airways, KLM, Vueling, Finnair, and several other major airlines face 44 cancellations and 1,492 delays. The disruption is affecting key airports across Europe, including Frankfurt, Madrid, Rovaniemi, Moscow, and more. Passengers in Germany, Spain, Finland, and Russia are particularly impacted, as these countries experience severe operational setbacks at some of their busiest hubs. Delays and cancellations have led to long waits, leaving travelers frustrated and uncertain about their next steps. Airlines are struggling to maintain their schedules, and many passengers are left with limited options for rebooking or compensation.
Total Delays and Cancellations Across Europe
According to the latest data, the total number of flight delays across major European airports has reached an alarming 1,492, while cancellations have totaled 44. This large-scale disruption is indicative of ongoing challenges within the European aviation sector, affecting passengers at multiple levels and causing ripple effects in various countries.
Airports Affected by Delays and Cancellations
Several European airports are currently facing significant operational challenges. Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) in the Netherlands has reported the highest number of delays, with a staggering 308 disruptions, while 15 flights were canceled. London Heathrow (LHR) in the United Kingdom has also been hard-hit, with 274 delays and five cancellations. Other major European airports, such as Charles de Gaulle (CDG) in France and Frankfurt International (FRA) in Germany, have also faced severe delays, with 363 and 81 delays respectively, while each saw three cancellations.
Smaller airports, including Brussels (BRU) in Belgium and Helsinki-Vantaa (HEL) in Finland, have seen fewer cancellations but still reported notable delays — 103 at Brussels and 54 at Helsinki. Meanwhile, airports in Spain, including Barcelona (BCN) and Madrid-Barajas (MAD), also reported delays and cancellations, adding to the operational strain on the continent’s air transport network.
Airlines Struggling to Maintain Operations
European airlines have also been significantly impacted by these disruptions. KLM, the Netherlands’ flagship airline, reported the highest number of cancellations, with 26, along with 213 delays. Finnair, another major airline, experienced 7 cancellations and 80 delays. Other affected carriers include Vueling Airlines from Spain, which had 3 cancellations and 236 delays, and British Airways from the United Kingdom, with 3 cancellations and 159 delays. Additionally, low-cost carrier Wizz Air reported 2 cancellations and 112 delays across its network.
The disruptions have not been limited to just Western Europe; Russian airlines, including Aeroflot, S7 Airlines, and UTair, also faced significant delays, further highlighting the widespread nature of the issues. Russian carriers saw several flights canceled and delayed, with Aeroflot experiencing 153 delays and 1 cancellation, while S7 Airlines had 2 cancellations and 49 delays.
What Affected Passengers Can Do Now
If you’re among the many affected by these disruptions, it’s important to stay informed and proactive. Here are some essential steps to take:
- Check Airline and Airport Updates: Always stay updated with the latest information from your airline and airport. Many airlines provide real-time flight status updates through their websites or mobile apps.
- Contact Your Airline: If your flight has been canceled or delayed for an extended period, reach out to your airline’s customer service for rebooking options. You may be entitled to compensation, especially if the delay exceeds a certain threshold or is caused by airline-related issues.
- Seek Alternative Flights: If possible, explore alternative flight options through other carriers or nearby airports. However, be aware that availability may be limited, and the rebooking process may take longer than expected.
- Know Your Rights: Depending on your location and the length of the delay or cancellation, you may have specific rights to compensation under European Union regulations (EC261/2004). Be sure to understand your entitlements and how to claim them.
- Prepare for Extended Delays: For those facing long delays or cancellations, consider preparing for an extended wait. Many airports offer lounges, dining options, and rest areas to help you stay comfortable. Be sure to have essential items like food, drinks, and entertainment.
Conclusion
The ongoing travel disruptions across Europe are a clear sign of the growing challenges facing the aviation sector. With thousands of delays and cancellations affecting airports and airlines, passengers are experiencing significant inconvenience. The most affected regions include the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Germany, and Russia, as major carriers like KLM, British Airways, and Air France struggle to maintain operations. For affected passengers, staying informed and taking the necessary steps to seek rebooking or compensation is key to managing the disruption. As Europe works to resolve these challenges, travelers are advised to remain patient and prepared for the continued impact on their journeys.
Source: FlightAware and Affected Airports