Europe Faces Travel Chaos as Finland, Netherlands, Turkey, Germany, Iceland Cancel 31 and Delay 601 New Flights Impacting Finnair, Icelandair, KLM, Transavia, Wizz in Helsinki, Amsterdam, Istanbul, Frankfurt, Kittila and Others

Published on
February 1, 2026

Europe is grappling with significant travel chaos today as major disruptions hit airports across Finland, Netherlands, Turkey, Germany, and Iceland. The latest figures show that 31 flights have been cancelled, and a staggering 601 flights have been delayed, severely affecting both passengers and airlines. The impact is being felt across some of the continent’s busiest hubs, including Helsinki, Amsterdam, Istanbul, Frankfurt, Kittila, and several others. Finnair, Icelandair, KLM, Transavia, and Wizz Air are among the airlines facing the brunt of these disruptions. Travelers bound for these destinations are advised to stay updated with their flight statuses.

Travel Disruptions Across European Airports and Airlines

Travelers across Europe are facing significant disruptions today, with numerous airports and airlines reporting a high number of cancellations and delays. From major hubs like London Heathrow to smaller airports like Kittila, passengers are feeling the impact of these delays. Below is an in-depth analysis of the situation, the affected regions, and what passengers can do next.

Overview of Disruptions in European Airports

European airports are experiencing a high volume of delays and cancellations, particularly affecting airports in major hubs like London, Frankfurt, and Istanbul, as well as smaller airports in northern Europe. According to the latest data:

• Total delays: 601
• Total cancellations: 31

These disruptions are caused by various factors, including adverse weather conditions and ongoing logistical challenges, which have impacted both airports and airlines across the continent.

Affected Airports, Cities, and Countries

• London Heathrow (LHR), Frankfurt International (FRA), and Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International (SAW) are some of the most heavily affected airports today. With 39 delays at Heathrow, 97 delays at Frankfurt, and 176 delays at Istanbul, passengers are experiencing significant disruption in these busy travel hubs.
• Smaller airports like Kittila and Rovaniemi in Finland, as well as Helsinki-Vantaa and Amsterdam Schiphol, are also facing cancellations and delays, affecting travel within and outside of Finland and the Netherlands.

Airlines Affected by Cancellations and Delays

Several major European airlines have been affected by these disruptions, including:

• British Airways and Finnair, with 51 and 81 delays respectively, are experiencing high volumes of delays across their networks. British Airways has also seen 4 cancellations, while Finnair has had 13 cancellations.
• Icelandair (2 cancellations, 11 delays) and Transavia Airlines (2 cancellations, 15 delays) are among other carriers experiencing relatively lower but still significant disruptions.
• KLM (4 cancellations, 72 delays), Lufthansa Group’s German Airways (2 cancellations, 3 delays), and SunExpress (3 cancellations, 29 delays) are also struggling to maintain their schedules as operational challenges mount.
• Wizz Air and its subsidiary Wizz Air Malta are among the worst-hit, with a total of 5 cancellations and 152 delays combined. Passengers flying on these airlines should expect longer wait times and potential rebooking.

Impacted Passengers: What You Can Do

If you are affected by these delays and cancellations, here are some steps you can take:

1. Check for Updates: Stay updated with your airline’s official website or mobile app for the latest information on your flight status. Airlines are likely to provide alternative options and rebooking details for affected passengers.
2. Know Your Rights: In the European Union, passengers are protected by specific flight delay and cancellation regulations. If your flight is delayed for over 3 hours, you may be entitled to compensation, depending on the reason for the delay. Check with your airline for specific details.
3. Alternative Airports: If your flight has been canceled, consider rebooking with an alternative airport or airline, though availability may be limited due to high traffic and disruptions.
4. Stay Informed About Local Weather: Weather conditions in key airports such as Helsinki, Kittila, and Rovaniemi are causing disruptions, and travelers should monitor weather reports and their airline’s updates regularly.
5. Prepare for Long Waits: With delays affecting both short and long-haul flights, expect potential long waiting times at airport terminals. Be sure to bring essentials such as snacks, chargers, and entertainment while you wait.

Conclusion

With over 600 delays and 30 cancellations across European airports and airlines today, travelers are facing a day of disrupted travel. Major airports in cities like London, Frankfurt, and Istanbul are particularly affected, with airlines such as British Airways, Finnair, and Wizz Air among those reporting significant operational issues. Passengers should stay updated on their flight status, know their rights, and be prepared for longer-than-usual waiting times. Despite the current challenges, airlines are working to mitigate the impact and provide alternatives for affected travelers.

Source: FlightAware and affected airports