Key Highlights
- Netherlands, France, UK, Germany, Poland, and Greece cancel 733 flights and delay 5,092 new flights.
- Air France, KLM, easyJet, Lufthansa, SAS, and other airlines affected in Paris, London, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Warsaw, Athens, and more cities.
- Amsterdam Schiphol Airport experiences major disruptions with 223 flight cancellations and 241 delays due to snowstorm.
- Air France-KLM Group sees significant operational delays in Paris-Orly and Paris-CDG hubs, with a combined total of 289 cancelled flights and 316 delayed flights.
Travel Chaos: Europe Sees Unprecedented Air Disruptions Due to Snowstorm
The February 15 snowstorm has created widespread travel disruption across Europe, with 733 cancelled flights and 5,092 delayed flights. Airlines like Air France, KLM, easyJet, Lufthansa, SAS, and many others are struggling to keep operations on track as weather conditions have forced a series of unprecedented cancellations.
Amsterdam Schiphol: Grounded by Snow
Netherlands: Amsterdam Schiphol Airport has experienced major disruptions due to the snowstorm. With 223 flight cancellations and 241 delays, the airport’s management had to temporarily halt some operations. The icy conditions on runways and taxiways have led to significant wait times for passengers.
Paris: Chaos at Charles de Gaulle and Orly
France: Snow and ice have caused severe disruptions in Paris. At Roissy (Charles de Gaulle), a 30% reduction in flights has been implemented, with numerous cancellations and delays reported throughout the day. Orly Airport also faced significant flight reductions, with 196 total cancellations across various airports of France.
United Kingdom: Heathrow and Gatwick Struggle
UK: Snow and ice have led to major road and airport disruptions in London. Heathrow has reported several flight cancellations and delays, affecting both domestic and international routes. Similar issues were observed at Gatwick Airport, with significant delays and cancellations.
Germany: Frankfurt and Munich Face Challenges
Germany: Heavy snowfalls have disrupted airports and train travel. In Munich, 233 delayed flights and 9 cancellations were reported, while Frankfurt faced 10 cancellations and 126 delays. Berlin-Brandenburg Airport experienced a 6% reduction in flight operations.
Other Countries: Disruptions Across Europe
Italy, Scandinavia, Spain, Portugal, and other countries also saw varying levels of disruption. Milan Malpensa and Bologna airports experienced minimal cancellations but faced hazardous road conditions. Scandinavian airports like Copenhagen, Stockholm Arlanda, and Oslo were under snowfall warnings, with delays ranging from 2 to 5 hours.
This storm has caused unprecedented disruptions, highlighting the vulnerability of air travel during severe winter weather events.
Passengers are urged to stay updated on their flight status and make necessary arrangements. The ongoing snowfall and icy conditions have created significant challenges for airlines, airports, and travelers alike.
