Published on
January 25, 2026
British Airways joins KLM, Air France, Finnair, Lufthansa, and Swiss in a wave of major flight cancellations to the US, caused by severe winter weather disrupting travel. This massive disruption is affecting key airports in Amsterdam, London, Paris, Frankfurt, Geneva, and beyond. The storm has grounded numerous flights, leaving thousands of passengers stranded and leading to significant delays. With many airlines being hit by the storm, travelers are facing uncertainty as airports scramble to manage the situation. British Airways, alongside other major carriers, is struggling to maintain flight schedules amid these severe weather conditions. The ripple effects are being felt across Europe, with major airports like London Heathrow and Paris Charles de Gaulle seeing a surge in cancellations and delays. As the storm continues, more flights may be affected, adding to the growing disruption for travelers headed to the US.
Reason Behind Flight Cancellations
The severe winter storm, known as Winter Storm Fern, is causing widespread disruptions across the United States, impacting flights from Europe to the US. This powerful storm is bringing heavy snow, ice, and freezing rain, particularly in major hubs like Dallas-Fort Worth, New York, Chicago, and Boston. As a result, airlines such as British Airways, KLM, Air France, and others have cancelled numerous flights to the US due to unsafe flying conditions. Runway closures, poor visibility, and treacherous weather conditions have made air travel unsafe, leading to cancellations and significant delays at key airports across both continents.
Flight Cancellations and Delays: Impacted Airlines of Europe
Affected Cities and Airports
British Airways flights are disrupted between London Heathrow (LHR / EGLL) and destinations such as Miami (KMIA), Austin-Bergstrom (KAUS), Nashville (KBNA), Dallas-Fort Worth (KDFW), Los Angeles (KLAX), New York (KJFK), Philadelphia (KPHL), and Washington D.C. (KIAD).
KLM flights are impacted between Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS / EHAM) and cities like Paphos (PFO / LCPH), Ben Gurion (TLV / LLBG), Austin-Bergstrom (KAUS), Dubai (DXB / OMDB), King Khalid (RUH / OERK), Hartsfield-Jackson (KATL), and Houston Bush Int’ctl (KIAH).
Air France cancellations affect routes between Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG / LFPG) and destinations such as Dubai (DXB / OMDB), Gdansk Lech Walesa (GDN / EPGD), Dallas-Fort Worth (KDFW), New York (KJFK), Washington Dulles (KIAD), and Beirut (OLBA).
Finnair’s flights are impacted between Helsinki-Vantaa (HEL / EFHK) and Kittila (KTT / EFKT), Gdansk Lech Walesa (GDN / EPGD), Dallas-Fort Worth (KDFW), and John F Kennedy (KJFK).
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Lufthansa has cancellations between Frankfurt (FRA / EDDF) and Dallas-Fort Worth (KDFW), London Heathrow (LHR / EGLL), and Chicago O’Hare (ORD), as well as between Munich (MUC / EDDM) and Chicago O’Hare (ORD).
Swiss airlines are affected on routes between Zurich (ZRH / LSZH) and cities such as Chicago O’Hare (ORD), New York (JFK), Washington Dulles (KIAD), Boston Logan (BOS), and Newark Liberty (KEWR). Cancellations also impact flights between Geneva (GVA / LSGG) and London Heathrow (LHR / EGLL), as well as New York (JFK).
These disruptions span a wide range of international hubs, creating significant travel challenges across Europe and North America.
Overview of Flight CancellationsBritish Airways (BA)
British Airways has been significantly impacted by cancellations across multiple international routes, notably affecting flights between London Heathrow (LHR / EGLL) and destinations in both the United States and Europe.
- Notable Cancelled Routes:
- Miami (KMIA) to London Heathrow (LHR): Flight BAW208, originally scheduled for Fri 10:10 PM EST, was cancelled.
- Austin-Bergstrom (KAUS) to London Heathrow (LHR): Flights BAW191 (Sat 12:20 PM GMT) and BAW190 (Sat 07:10 PM CST) have been disrupted.
- Nashville (KBNA) to London Heathrow (LHR): BAW223, departing at Sat 12:50 PM GMT, was also cancelled.
- Dallas-Fort Worth (KDFW) to London Heathrow (LHR): Flights BAW193 (Sat 02:55 PM GMT) and BAW192 (Sat 09:25 PM CST) were cancelled, affecting key routes to North America.
- Los Angeles (KLAX) to London Heathrow (LHR): Flight BAW269, scheduled for Sat 03:20 PM GMT, was cancelled.
- Additional disruptions include flights to John F Kennedy Intl (KJFK), Philadelphia Intl (KPHL), and Washington Dulles Intl (KIAD).
These cancellations largely affect US-bound travelers, with extensive delays across transatlantic flights. British Airways is a major carrier between the UK and these destinations, contributing to widespread disruption for international passengers.
2. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
KLM has also experienced substantial flight cancellations across its international network, particularly impacting routes from Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS / EHAM).
- Notable Cancelled Routes:
- Paphos (PFO / LCPH) to Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS): Flight KLM462 (Sat 07:15 AM EET) was cancelled, along with its return flight from Ben Gurion (TLV / LLBG) to Paphos.
- Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) to Austin-Bergstrom Intl (KAUS): Flight KLM667 (Sat 12:35 PM CET) was affected.
- Dubai Int’l (DXB / OMDB) to Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS): Flight KLM427 (Sat 02:30 PM CET) was cancelled.
- King Khalid Int’l (RUH / OERK) to Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS): The outbound and inbound flights KLM425 were disrupted on Sat and Sun.
- Hartsfield-Jackson (KATL) to Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS): Flight KLM621 was affected on Sat 05:15 PM CET.
KLM’s cancellations highlight their substantial transatlantic and Middle Eastern connections, with the disruption impacting passengers on both long-haul and short-haul routes.
3. Air France
Air France has been heavily affected by cancellations, especially on flights from Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG / LFPG).
- Notable Cancelled Routes:
- Dubai (DXB / OMDB) to Charles de Gaulle (CDG): Flight AFR661 was cancelled on Sat 06:55 AM +04.
- Gdansk Lech Walesa (GDN / EPGD) to Paris Orly (ORY / LFPO): Flight AFR6100 (Sat 07:15 AM EET) and its return AFR1176 (Sat 09:00 AM CET) were cancelled.
- Dallas-Fort Worth (KDFW) to Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG): Flights AFR158 (Sat 10:20 AM CET) and AFR159 (Sat 04:00 PM CST) were affected.
- New York (KJFK) to Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG): Flights AFR2 and AFR4, scheduled for Sun 08:40 AM CET and Sun 10:40 AM CET, were cancelled, along with additional disruptions on Sun 01:40 PM CET.
- Additional cancellations on Washington Dulles (KIAD) and Beirut (OLBA) routes.
Air France’s transatlantic services have been severely disrupted, particularly affecting travel between Europe and North America, with delays and cancellations on some of the airline’s most popular routes.
4. Finnair
Finnair has faced cancellations across its routes between Helsinki-Vantaa (HEL / EFHK) and key destinations in Europe and North America.
- Notable Cancelled Routes:
- Kittila (KTT / EFKT) to Helsinki-Vantaa (HEL): Flights FIN571 (Sat 06:45 AM EET) and its return FIN572 were cancelled.
- Gdansk Lech Walesa (GDN / EPGD) to Helsinki-Vantaa (HEL): Flight FIN1175 (Sat 07:15 AM EET) was impacted.
- Dallas-Fort Worth (KDFW) to Helsinki-Vantaa (HEL): Flight FIN19 (Sat 12:40 PM EET) was cancelled.
- John F Kennedy Intl (KJFK) to Helsinki-Vantaa (HEL): Flight FIN16 (Sat 10:55 PM EST) and FIN15 (Sun 05:00 PM EET) were cancelled.
Finnair’s cancellations primarily affect passengers traveling from Helsinki to North America, with significant delays for travelers planning to fly from or to major US cities like Dallas and New York.
5. Lufthansa
Lufthansa has had several cancellations on key routes, primarily between Frankfurt (FRA / EDDF), Munich (MUC / EDDM), and destinations in North America.
- Notable Cancelled Routes:
- Frankfurt Int’l (FRA) to Dallas-Fort Worth (KDFW): Flight DLH438 (Sat 10:20 AM CET) was cancelled.
- London Heathrow (LHR) to Frankfurt Int’l (FRA): Flight DLH910 (Sat 03:20 PM CET) was disrupted.
- Munich Int’l (MUC) to Chicago O’Hare (ORD): Flight DLH434 (Sat 03:40 PM CET) was affected.
- Dallas-Fort Worth (KDFW) to Frankfurt Int’l (FRA): Flight DLH439 (Sat 04:25 PM CST) was cancelled.
Lufthansa has seen significant cancellations across its North American routes, especially for US-bound passengers. Frankfurt and Munich hubs are major international departure points for Lufthansa, affecting travel to key destinations like Chicago and Dallas.
6. Swiss
Swiss has faced cancellations, particularly on routes between Zurich (ZRH / LSZH) and cities in North America.
- Notable Cancelled Routes:
- Zurich (ZRH) to Chicago O’Hare (ORD): Flight SWR8 (Sat 01:20 PM CET) was cancelled.
- Zurich (ZRH) to New York (JFK): Flights SWR16 (Sun 10:00 AM CET), SWR14 (Sun 01:25 PM CET), and SWR15 (Sun 09:10 PM EST) were affected.
- Zurich (ZRH) to Washington Dulles (KIAD): Flight SWR72 (Sun 01:15 PM CET) was cancelled.
- Geneva (GVA) to John F Kennedy Intl (JFK): Flight SWR22 (Sun 11:50 AM CET) was cancelled.
Swiss International Air Lines has disrupted several US-bound flights, with passengers traveling to key destinations in the US facing uncertainty.
The widespread cancellations across British Airways, KLM, Air France, Finnair, Lufthansa, and Swiss are a result of operational issues, likely exacerbated by weather and logistical challenges. North American and European travelers are most affected, particularly on popular transatlantic routes. Passengers are advised to check with airlines for updates on alternate flight arrangements.
What to Do if Your Flight Gets Cancelled: A Quick Guide
Flight cancellations can be frustrating, but knowing the right steps to take can help minimize stress. Here’s what you can do if you find yourself in this situation:
Stay Updated
Monitor your email, phone, and the airline’s app for rebooking confirmation or further announcements.
Stay Calm and Check for Updates
As soon as you learn your flight is canceled, stay calm and check for updates. Many airlines will notify you via text, email, or their app. Visit the airline’s website for real-time updates on the situation.
Contact the Airline
Reach out to the airline’s customer service either in person at the airport or over the phone. If you’re at the airport, head to the service desk. If you’re not, try calling or using the airline’s online chat system to avoid waiting in long queues.
Know Your Rights
Familiarize yourself with the airline’s policies regarding cancellations. Many airlines offer rebooking options or compensation, especially if the cancellation is within their control. In the EU, for example, passengers are entitled to compensation under certain conditions.
Consider Alternative Flights
Ask the airline about the next available flight. If you can’t find a suitable option, consider booking a new flight through another airline, or check for other forms of transport like trains or buses.
The severe impact of Winter Storm Fern has caused significant disruption to air travel, particularly affecting flights from Europe to the US. Airlines like British Airways, KLM, Air France, and others have been forced to cancel and delay numerous flights due to hazardous weather conditions, including heavy snow, freezing rain, and low visibility. Major airports in London, Paris, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, and Geneva have felt the ripple effects, with passengers facing uncertainty and delays. As the storm continues to affect the US, travelers are advised to monitor their flight status and stay updated on further cancellations or delays.
Source: FlightAware and affected airports
