Home » Airlines News of Europe » Thousands of Passengers Stuck Across Europe as Netherlands, UK, France, Czech Republic, Germany Cancel 574 and Delay 4,550 New Flights, Impacting KLM, EasyJet, HOP!, German and More Airlines at Amsterdam, Manchester, Prague, Berlin and Others
Published on
January 4, 2026
Thousands of passengers are stranded across Europe as severe weather conditions have led to widespread flight cancellations and delays. In the Netherlands, UK, France, Czech Republic, and Germany, a total of 574 flights have been canceled and 4,550 flights delayed, creating chaos at major airports such as Amsterdam Schiphol, Manchester, Prague, Berlin, and others. Airlines like KLM, EasyJet, HOP!, German Airways, and many more are struggling to manage the disruptions. Passengers are facing long delays and are being rerouted due to adverse weather conditions, particularly snowstorms and strong winds affecting key cities. As the winter storms continue, travelers are urged to stay updated on flight statuses and check for alternative transport options.
The ongoing weather conditions and resulting disruptions highlight the vulnerability of Europe’s air travel infrastructure, significantly impacting both domestic and international connections.
Severe Snowfall Expected in Northern, Central, and Eastern Europe
According to the World Meteorological Centre Beijing (WMC-BJ), regions in Northern, Central, and Eastern Europe are set to experience moderate to heavy snowfall from January 1 to 4, 2026. Specifically, southern Sweden, southern Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Belarus, and western Russia are expected to face severe snowstorms. Some areas could experience exceptional snowfall, with cumulative snowfall totals expected to range between 5 and 20 mm, and some localized areas reaching 30 to 40 mm. Strong winds, gusting up to 7 to 8 on the Beaufort scale, will further exacerbate travel and infrastructure issues.
The intense snow and wind conditions are anticipated to have a significant impact on local power infrastructure, transportation, and other industries. Travelers in these regions are advised to remain alert and check local weather warnings for updates. Snowstorms are expected to affect air, rail, and road travel, particularly in regions where infrastructure is vulnerable to winter weather.
Impact of Snow and Winds on Flights to Amsterdam
Hundreds of flights between the UK and Amsterdam have been canceled by major airlines including KLM, EasyJet, and British Airways. The adverse weather conditions, including snowstorms and strong winds at Schiphol Airport, have led to reduced runway capacity, affecting both domestic and international flights. Passengers are advised to stay updated on flight statuses as delays and cancellations continue to affect air travel throughout Europe. Schiphol Airport is particularly impacted, with snowstorms forecast to continue affecting the region until January 4, 2026.
The Scope of the Disruption
The travel chaos affecting Europe has been extensive. Over the past period, a staggering 574 cancellations and 4,550 delays were reported across various major airports and airlines. These disruptions have had a massive impact on both international and domestic travel, with passengers encountering long waits and rerouted flights throughout Europe.
Airports Worst Hit by Disruptions
Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) Leads in Cancellations
Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS), one of Europe’s busiest airports, reported 366 cancellations and 491 delays. As a key hub for international flights, this airport’s disruptions have affected travelers flying to and from destinations across the globe, particularly the Netherlands and its key connecting flights to Europe.
London Heathrow (LHR) Struggles with Delays
London Heathrow (LHR), another significant European airport, faced 10 cancellations and 388 delays. With Heathrow being a vital connection point for flights from the UK, the United States, and beyond, these disruptions have left travelers stranded and frustrated, particularly during peak travel hours.
Other Key Airports Affected
Airports such as Charles de Gaulle (CDG), Frankfurt International (FRA), and Zurich (ZRH) also saw significant delays, with 578 delays reported at CDG alone, and 269 delays at Frankfurt. These disruptions have caused ripple effects, delaying not just outbound but also inbound flights across Europe.
Affected Airlines and Routes
The disruptions are not limited to airports alone; airlines operating out of these hubs are also feeling the impact. Major European carriers, including KLM from the Netherlands, Air France, and easyJet, reported high numbers of cancellations and delays. KLM, which has a significant presence at Amsterdam Schiphol, reported 251 cancellations and 257 delays, while Air France recorded 40 cancellations and 322 delays. EasyJet, the low-cost carrier from the UK, saw 26 cancellations and 698 delays, the highest delay count among the airlines surveyed.
Impact on Major Airlines
Airlines like British Airways, Lufthansa, and Vueling Airlines also reported disruptions, albeit to a lesser extent. British Airways faced 4 cancellations and 234 delays, while Lufthansa had 2 cancellations and 281 delays, further demonstrating the scale of the issue.
Analyzing the Affected Airports, Cities, and Countries
The main cities affected by these disruptions are major European hubs: London, Paris, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Zurich, and Barcelona, among others. These cities are central to the European transport network, and any disruption in these hubs has a cascading effect on other regions.
Countries such as the Netherlands, France, United Kingdom, Germany, and Spain have been most affected by these disruptions. As Europe’s key economic and travel centers, these nations have experienced substantial impacts on tourism, business travel, and domestic connectivity.
KLM’s Response to Winter Weather Disruptions
Update January 3, 2:30 PM
The ongoing winter weather has forced KLM to cancel 295 flights scheduled for January 4. Schiphol Airport, a major hub for the airline, is experiencing reduced runway capacity, making it difficult to accommodate the usual number of flights. KLM has advised all passengers to check for the latest flight information as further cancellations are likely due to continuing adverse weather conditions. The airline is working diligently to rebook passengers on the next available flights, though the disruptions are expected to persist through the coming days.
What Affected Passengers Can Do Now
Rebook and Stay Updated
For passengers whose flights have been delayed or canceled, airlines typically offer rebooking options, though availability may be limited. Travelers are advised to check with their airline for the latest information on rebooking flights and possible compensation.
Seek Alternative Routes and Ground Transport
For those unable to secure a rebooked flight, ground transport options, including trains and buses, are available in many European cities. In some cases, trains may offer faster and more reliable alternatives to flights, particularly for short-distance connections.
Compensation and Rights
Passengers whose flights have been canceled or significantly delayed are entitled to compensation under European Union regulations, provided the airline is responsible for the delay or cancellation. Passengers should keep all receipts, boarding passes, and documents related to the disruption to support their claims.
Conclusion
With 574 cancellations and 4,550 delays recorded across major airports and airlines, European travelers are facing one of the most significant disruptions in recent months. Key hubs in cities like London, Paris, and Amsterdam have borne the brunt of the chaos, with airlines such as easyJet, KLM, and Air France experiencing the most delays. While this situation is frustrating for travelers, keeping up to date with flight statuses, seeking alternative transport options, and knowing passenger rights for compensation can help alleviate some of the stress caused by these disruptions.
Source: FlightAware and Affected Airports
