London, United Kingdom: Thousands of passengers across Europe faced significant travel disruptions during the peak holiday travel period as nearly 1,000 flights were delayed and 20 cancelled at major airports, including hubs in France, the United Kingdom, Spain, Turkey, Norway, Italy, and Germany. Airlines such as Lufthansa, Air France, easyJet, KLM, and Turkish Airlines reported delays affecting both domestic and international services, disrupting schedules during the peak holiday travel period.
Authorities and airline operators cited a combination of adverse winter weather, increased holiday traffic, and air traffic control constraints as key factors behind the widespread disruption. Meteorological services reported snow, fog, and high winds across northern and western Europe, which forced delays and limited airport capacity.
The most affected airports included:
- Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG): 226 delayed flights, 6 cancellations
- London Heathrow (LHR): 96 delayed flights, 8 cancellations
- Istanbul Airport (IST): 200 delays, 3 cancellations
- Madrid Barajas (MAD): 99 delayed flights, no cancellations
- Rome Fiumicino (FCO): 84 delays, 2 cancellations
Additional disruptions were reported in Munich, Oslo, Barcelona, and Manchester, where delays caused knock-on effects on connecting flights and ground transport.
While outright flight cancellations remained comparatively low, delays affected airline rotations, crew schedules, and passenger connections. Affected travelers faced missed connections, long waiting times, and last-minute rebooking.
A spokesperson for one major carrier noted: “We regret the inconvenience caused to our passengers. Operations are being prioritized based on safety, and rebooking assistance is being provided at affected airports.”
In addition to adverse winter weather and heavy passenger traffic, strike action by airport ground staff and airline cabin crews further exacerbated delays. Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) cabin crew walkouts at hubs like Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Oslo, along with ground handling strikes in Spain and Portugal, contributed to longer check-in times, baggage delays, and operational bottlenecks. These industrial actions, combined with congested airspace and winter storms, created widespread disruption for passengers during one of Europe’s busiest travel periods.
Europe’s aviation network has seen recurring disruptions throughout 2025, particularly during winter. Earlier reports indicated that nearly 4,000 flights were delayed and over 200 cancelled during December due to similar weather and traffic pressures. Analysts note that increased passenger demand post-pandemic and constrained air traffic control resources have created systemic vulnerabilities in the European flight network.
Passengers affected by delays or cancellations in Europe may be entitled to compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004, except in cases caused by severe weather or air traffic control restrictions. Travelers are advised to check flight status regularly via airline apps or airport information screens, arrive at airports earlier than usual to accommodate potential delays, keep airline contact information handy for rebooking or compensation claims.
Industry experts warn that air travel disruptions are likely to continue through the remainder of the holiday season, with weather volatility and high passenger volumes placing additional strain on airport operations and flight schedules. Travelers are advised to plan for potential delays and maintain flexibility in their travel plans.
