Published on
January 12, 2026
Thousands of travelers across Europe are facing major disruptions as France, the UK, Germany, and Finland, Iceland battle severe winter weather. Air France, KLM, Lufthansa, and Finnair are among the hardest-hit airlines, with 136 cancellations and 2,172 delays across Paris, London, Berlin, Helsinki, Reykjavik and other major cities. The frigid temperatures, heavy snowfall, and icy conditions have left thousands of passengers isolated, stranded at airports. Operations have come to a halt at several major airports, including Charles de Gaulle, London Heathrow, and Frankfurt. De-icing issues, snow-covered runways, and strong winds have forced airlines to cancel and delay flights, leaving many travelers uncertain of when they will be able to resume their journeys.
Heavy Snowfall and Icy Conditions Disrupt Travel in Europe
The ongoing cold snap has caused widespread disruption in several European countries, with major airports such as Frankfurt, Paris Charles de Gaulle, and Amsterdam Schiphol seeing significant impacts. At Frankfurt Airport, over 100 flights were cancelled due to heavy snowfall and icy conditions, with more cancellations expected throughout the day. Meanwhile, Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris and Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam also faced similar issues, with significant numbers of flights affected.
In Finland, the cold front brought temperatures as low as minus 37°C at Kittilä airport, making it impossible to conduct essential operations like de-icing. This extreme cold weather continued to affect travel in northern Finland, with temperatures expected to dip further on Monday.
Analysis of Affected Airports, Cities, and Countries
The severe winter weather has impacted a broad range of airports and cities, stretching from Germany in the west to Finland and Iceland in the north. Major hubs such as Frankfurt International Airport (Germany), Charles de Gaulle Airport (France), and Schiphol Airport (Netherlands) were among the hardest-hit.
At Frankfurt Airport (FRA), a total of 102 cancellations occurred, with 274 delays, due to heavy snow and icy conditions that affected flight schedules. Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) recorded 8 cancellations and 371 delays, while Paris Orly (ORY) experienced 7 cancellations and 76 delays. In Finland, Kittilä Airport faced severe disruptions with temperatures dropping as low as minus 37°C, leading to the cancellation of several flights. Helsinki-Vantaa (HEL) also saw 6 cancellations and 101 delays, further illustrating the extent of the cold front’s impact on air travel.
Beyond airports, the cold and snowy conditions have disrupted rail services in Germany, where Deutsche Bahn shut down all services in the north, affecting thousands of passengers and adding to the already considerable travel chaos. France, Belgium, and the Baltic states of Estonia, Lithuania, and Latvia also saw widespread delays due to icy roads and blizzards. Passengers in these regions are facing long delays, and authorities have issued warnings urging drivers to avoid unnecessary travel.
Airlines Affected by the Weather
The airlines impacted by these disruptions are primarily based in Europe, with Air France, KLM, Lufthansa, and Finnair facing major operational challenges. Air France (France) saw 34 cancellations and 171 delays, while KLM (Netherlands) had 5 cancellations and 176 delays. Finnair (Finland) also suffered from the freezing temperatures, leading to 3 cancellations and 82 delays. Other affected airlines include Swiss, Lufthansa, and SAS, all of which experienced delays and cancellations due to the adverse weather conditions.
What Affected Passengers Can Do Now
If you’re traveling in the affected regions, it’s essential to stay updated on your flight status by checking with your airline and airport. Many airlines are offering rebooking options for affected passengers, but availability may be limited due to the high demand for rescheduled flights. Passengers can also inquire about the possibility of refunds or compensation under the EU’s air passenger rights laws.
For those affected by train cancellations or delays in Germany and other regions, Deutsche Bahn has advised passengers to check for service updates and to avoid traveling if possible. Passengers are also encouraged to take extra precautions on the road due to icy conditions, especially in the Baltic countries, where snow alerts have been issued.
As these extreme weather conditions continue to disrupt travel across Europe, passengers should remain patient and flexible while authorities work to clear snow from runways and roads. Additionally, those planning to travel in the coming days should consider alternative routes and transport options where possible.
Total Cancellations and Delays in Europe
As a result of the severe weather, over 136 cancellations and 2,172 delays have been recorded across European airports and airlines, highlighting the widespread nature of the disruption. With snow and icy conditions continuing to affect major hubs, travelers should be prepared for further delays and cancellations, particularly in northern and central Europe.
Source: FlightAware and affected airports
