Published on
January 27, 2026

Europe travel disruptions

Thousands of passengers are stranded across Europe as Germany, France, Sweden, the UK, and Greece grapple with severe disruptions caused by a massive winter storm. Airlines including Pegasus, British Airways, Air France, KLM, SAS, and others have reported 176 cancellations and 1,925 delays, stranding travelers in major airports across the continent. Berlin, Paris, Stockholm, London, Athens, and other major cities are experiencing unprecedented chaos as flights are grounded due to heavy snow, freezing temperatures, and hazardous conditions.

Passengers have been left isolated, with airlines struggling to manage the backlog. Many travelers are uncertain of their next steps, as the storm continues to disrupt air travel. As the situation unfolds, passengers are urged to stay updated on flight statuses and seek rebooking options.

Storm Impact Across Europe

The latest snowstorm, following earlier storms this winter, has significantly disrupted travel systems across Germany, France, Sweden and the UK. A combination of heavy snow, freezing temperatures, and icy conditions has led to delays and cancellations at some of the region’s busiest airports, with power outages compounding the situation. Major cities such as Berlin, Paris, London, and Stockholm are all facing severe delays in both air and rail transport.

Affected Airports and Airlines

The storm has led to major disruptions at several European airports, particularly those in Germany, France, Scandinavia, and the United Kingdom. Notable airports affected by the weather include:

  • London Heathrow (LHR), Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG), Frankfurt International (FRA), and Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS), all of which saw delays and cancellations across multiple flights.
  • Brussels Airport (BRU), Stockholm Arlanda (ARN), and Zurich Kloten (ZRH) were also severely impacted, with numerous cancellations and significant delays throughout the day.
AirportCancellationsDelays LHR (London Heathrow, UK) 37 95 CDG (Paris-Charles de Gaulle, France) 18 171 CPH (Copenhagen, Denmark) 19 116 BER (Berlin-Brandenburg, Germany) 36 150 HEL (Helsinki-Vantaa, Finland) 7 44 BRU (Brussels, Belgium) 5 47 ARN (Stockholm-Arlanda, Sweden) 5 74 DUB (Dublin International, Ireland) 6 64 AMS (Amsterdam Schiphol, Netherlands) 9 178 ZRH (Zurich Kloten, Switzerland) 10 84 IST (Istanbul Airport, Turkey) 2 139 SAW (Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Int’l, Turkey) 9 147 FRA (Frankfurt International, Germany) 3 439 ESB (Ankara Esenboğa Havalimanı Int’l, Turkey) 2 72 ATH (Athens International, Eleftherios Venizelos, Greece) 8 105

The storm’s ripple effect extended to European airlines as well, with major carriers like British Airways, KLM, SAS, Air France, and Pegasus Airlines experiencing disruptions. The combined data from these airlines shows that a total of 176 cancellations and 1,925 delays occurred across the region. For instance, Pegasus Airlines faced 19 cancellations and 122 delays, while British Airways had 18 cancellations and 48 delays. KLM experienced 8 cancellations and 89 delays, while Air France reported 18 cancellations and 81 delays. These disruptions are a part of a broader pattern of weather-related travel chaos in Europe.

Analysis of the Affected Airports, Cities and Countries

  • Germany and France were heavily affected, with major airports in both countries, including Frankfurt International (FRA) and Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG), reporting high numbers of delays and cancellations. FRA alone accounted for 439 delays and 3 cancellations.
  • Northern Europe saw heavy snowfall, particularly in Stockholm, Zurich, and Oslo, which led to over 100 delays at Stockholm Arlanda (ARN) and Zurich Kloten (ZRH).
  • Scandinavia has been experiencing consistent disruptions due to the storm’s icy grip, with SAS reporting multiple delays across its network. Norwegian Air and SAS Link also faced cancellations and delays.
  • Switzerland, Belgium, and Ireland saw more localized disruptions, but still experienced significant delays, particularly at Zurich (ZRH), Brussels Airlines (BRU), and Dublin International (DUB).
AirlineCancellationsDelays Pegasus Airlines (Turkey) 19 122 Air France (France) 18 81 British Airways (United Kingdom) 18 48 Finnair (Finland) 13 70 KLM (Netherlands) 8 89 SAS (Scandinavian Airlines) (Scandinavia) 8 29 Swiss (Switzerland) 6 31 Iberia (Spain) 6 16 Norwegian Air Sweden (Sweden) 6 22 Braathens Regional Airways (Sweden) 6 5 Aegean Airlines (Greece) 5 29 Olympic Air (Greece) 5 24 Aer Lingus (Ireland) 5 8 Brussels Airlines (Belgium) 4 21 BA CityFlyer (United Kingdom) 4 0 Helvetic Airways (Switzerland) 3 8 SAS Link (Scandinavia) 3 4 ASL Airlines France (France) 3 0 Cityjet (Ireland) 2 22 Norwegian Air Shuttle (Norway) 2 15

What Affected Passengers Can Do Now

Travelers affected by the disruptions are urged to stay informed about the status of their flights and train services. Here are some important steps for passengers to take:

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  • Check for updates: Passengers should monitor their airline’s website and airport departure boards for the latest flight information and updates regarding delays and cancellations.
  • Rebooking options: Many airlines are offering rebooking options or refund policies for passengers whose flights have been cancelled due to the storm. Passengers should reach out to their respective airlines for guidance.
  • Prepare for delays: With thousands of delays and cancellations reported, passengers should prepare for extended waits at the airport. Make sure to check baggage policies and know your rights regarding compensation for long delays.
  • Stay connected: For travelers relying on train services, European rail operators like Deutsche Bahn, SNCF, and Eurostar have updated travel advisories available. Passengers should consider seeking alternative transport options or flexible tickets.
  • Stay safe: In addition to travel disruptions, the freezing conditions also pose risks to public safety. Passengers are advised to dress warmly, stay hydrated, and avoid unnecessary travel, especially in areas with red or orange weather alerts.

The Big Picture: Total Delays and Cancellations in Europe

The widespread impact of the storm is reflected in the 176 total cancellations and 1,925 delays that have affected European airports and airlines so far. This massive disruption underscores the severity of the weather conditions gripping the continent. As the storm continues to affect northern and central Europe, authorities are urging the public to remain cautious and prepared for ongoing disruptions in the coming days. In conclusion, this storm has become one of the most disruptive weather events in recent memory, affecting airlines, airports, and train services throughout Europe. Passengers are advised to stay vigilant, keep up with travel updates, and follow local weather warnings.

Source: FlightAware and affected airports

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