33 Flights Grounded and 691 Delayed Across Major Airlines: British Airways, Air France, and EasyJet Suffer Widespread Disruptions in Europe and Asia – What Travelers Need to Know About the Impact on Their Journeys

Published on December 15, 2025

As the winter season approaches, bad weather continues to disrupt air travel, with major European airlines—British Airways, Air France, and EasyJet—suffering significant cancellations and delays in Asia. The ripple effects are being felt across multiple countries, with flights grounded from major hubs like London, Paris, and Geneva to destinations in Asia. While travelers are facing frustrations, local economies in these affected regions are also bracing for the impact. In this detailed report, we dive into the specific flights canceled, the countries and airports affected, the plight of stranded passengers, and the broader consequences on tourism in these regions.

The Scale of Cancellations: A Closer Look at the Numbers

• British Airways (BAW): The airline has been severely affected, with multiple flights canceled due to inclement weather. A total of 6 flights were impacted. The primary destinations affected include King Khalid International (RUH), Providenciales International (PLS), and Jomo Kenyatta International (NBO). These cancellations have left travelers stuck in airports, with limited alternative options due to weather conditions at destination airports.
• Air France (AFR): Air France saw 7 flights canceled, with key routes to Copenhagen (CPH), Barcelona (BCN), and Chicago (ORD) affected. The weather disturbances, particularly in Europe, led to a domino effect in Asia, particularly for connecting flights. Passengers were left stranded across various airports, with no clear resolution in sight.
• EasyJet (EZY): EasyJet experienced 20 cancellations. Major hubs like London Gatwick (LGW), Geneva Cointrin International (GVA), and Manchester (MAN) were among the hardest hit. Passengers faced delays and extensive rebooking processes, while others were left waiting for information on alternate flight schedules.

Key Airports Affected by Cancellations

British Airways:

• London Heathrow (LHR / EGLL): A major hub in the UK, with multiple outbound flights delayed or canceled, particularly to the Middle East and North America.
• Lynden Pindling International (NAS / MYNN): Flights from the Bahamas to Europe faced significant delays due to adverse weather conditions in both regions.

Air France:

• Charles de Gaulle/Roissy (CDG / LFPG): The primary airport for Air France, with cancellations affecting flights to European cities such as Copenhagen, Barcelona, and Chicago.
• Bengaluru International (BLR / VOBL): The impact of the weather was seen in cancellations from India, where flights to Europe were delayed, frustrating both inbound and outbound passengers.

EasyJet:

• London Gatwick (LGW / EGKK): A critical base for EasyJet, experiencing widespread disruptions, particularly for flights bound for Jersey, Amsterdam, and the Isle of Man.
• Geneva Cointrin International (GVA / LSGG): EasyJet’s operations out of Geneva were particularly impacted by bad weather, causing delays and cancellations to various European destinations.
• Manchester (MAN / EGCC): Key EasyJet flights to Belfast and Edinburgh were disrupted, causing a ripple effect on regional and international routes.

Regions and Cities Devastated by Cancellations

British Airways:

• Middle East: The Middle East was heavily impacted, with flights to Riyadh (RUH) facing cancellations. The lack of flights from London to these destinations left many passengers unable to attend important business meetings and family reunions.
• Caribbean: Affected routes to Providenciales (PLS) left many tourists stranded, impacting local tourism during peak holiday travel.

Air France:

• India: Bengaluru saw major disruptions due to weather in both Europe and Asia, leaving passengers stranded or rerouted.
• United States: Air France flights to Chicago (ORD) were delayed significantly, causing ripple effects on connecting flights across the U.S., leaving travelers frustrated.

EasyJet:

• United Kingdom: The cancellation of flights from Manchester, Edinburgh, and London Gatwick caused delays for passengers, many of whom were headed for major holiday destinations in Europe.
• Isle of Man: Affected flights between Isle of Man and London left travelers with limited options for alternative routes, significantly impacting both local business and leisure travel.

Affected Routes and Cities in Detail

British Airways:

• London Heathrow (LHR) to King Khalid International (RUH): Cancellations due to heavy fog and low visibility around both airports.
• Lynden Pindling International (NAS) to Providenciales (PLS): Weather conditions over the Caribbean forced the airline to cancel the route, affecting tourists who had planned vacations.
• Jomo Kenyatta International (NBO) to London Heathrow (LHR): Severe weather in Nairobi delayed flights to London, causing a ripple effect on connecting routes.

Air France:

• Charles de Gaulle (CDG) to Copenhagen (CPH): Flights were grounded due to snowstorms affecting both Copenhagen and Paris.
• Barcelona (BCN) to Charles de Gaulle (CDG): Severe weather in Barcelona, including heavy rainfall, forced delays and cancellations of flights to Paris.
• Bengaluru (BLR) to Charles de Gaulle (CDG): Weather-related delays in Paris impacted passengers traveling to and from Bengaluru, especially those heading to Europe.
• Chicago O’Hare Intl (ORD) to Charles de Gaulle (CDG): Snowstorms in Chicago and Paris resulted in a major backlog of flights.

EasyJet:

• London Gatwick (LGW) to Isle of Man (IOM): Cancellations caused by poor visibility and fog disrupted this domestic flight.
• Geneva Cointrin (GVA) to Toulouse-Blagnac (TLS): Weather delays in Switzerland impacted EasyJet flights, leaving travelers stranded in Geneva.
• Manchester (MAN) to Belfast (BFS): Snowstorms and icy conditions in Manchester caused substantial delays, disrupting travel plans for passengers.

Passenger Nightmares: The Struggles of Stranded Travelers Amid Weather Chaos

As bad weather causes widespread flight cancellations, passengers are finding themselves trapped at airports for hours, if not days. The lack of clear communication from airlines about rescheduling options and compensation only adds to the frustration. With limited information on when they might be able to continue their journey, many travelers are forced to scramble for last-minute accommodations or alternative flights, often at high costs. For those whose trips were for important business meetings, family events, or much-needed vacations, the disruption goes beyond inconvenience—it disrupts their lives.

• Steps for Passengers to Take:
  • Stay Informed: Keep an eye on flight status and weather updates through apps or the airline’s website.
  • Know Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with your airline’s compensation policy for cancellations or delays, as well as your legal rights in the event of a flight disruption.
  • Book Alternative Travel: If you’re facing extended delays, research alternative routes or even train or bus options if possible, to get to your destination quicker.
  • Seek Compensation: Request compensation or accommodation from the airline, especially if you’re stranded overnight.

Tourism Takes a Hit: Local Economies Face the Fallout from Flight Cancellations

The impact of flight cancellations extends far beyond just passengers—it can strike at the heart of local economies, particularly those dependent on tourism. Cities that rely on international travelers are now facing a downturn in tourism activity as weather-related disruptions prevent visitors from arriving.

• Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: The storm clouds over Riyadh have been more than just metaphorical. Cancellations of flights from London Heathrow, a key hub for business travelers, have led to a significant decline in visitors. The local tourism industry, which thrives on business tourism, is now grappling with canceled meetings and missed conferences. With high-profile events and business trips put on hold, the ripple effects could be felt for months.
• Barcelona, Spain: As Spain’s tourism industry continues to recover from the pandemic, Air France’s cancellations from Barcelona to Paris have added to the struggle. The disruption has thrown a wrench into holiday plans for thousands, causing a reduction in international visitors just as they were expected to pour in for the Christmas season. Barcelona, a major European tourist destination, depends heavily on these visitors, and these cancellations may cost the city more than just a few lost hotel stays.
• Geneva, Switzerland: Known for its winter tourism, Geneva is facing a blow as EasyJet’s cancellations hit the city hard. With the holiday season in full swing, tourists eager to experience Geneva’s snowy charms are unable to reach their destination, frustrating visitors who had planned their trip months in advance. The local hospitality and tourism industry now faces a crisis as flights continue to be delayed or canceled.

Turning Crisis Into Opportunity: How Airlines and Passengers Can Adapt

While cancellations due to weather are often unavoidable, airlines can take significant steps to mitigate the impact on passengers and tourism. Now is the time for the aviation industry to rethink its approach to crisis management.

• What Airlines Can Do:
  • Real-Time Updates: Airlines should implement better communication systems, keeping passengers updated regularly with flight status and available alternatives. Apps that send real-time push notifications about cancellations, delays, and compensation will help alleviate passenger frustration.
  • Proactive Weather Forecasting: The aviation industry must invest in proactive weather technologies that predict disruptive weather patterns earlier, allowing airlines to reroute flights or cancel in advance, minimizing inconvenience to travelers.
  • Contingency Plans: Strengthening contingency plans, including pre-arranged accommodation and transport options, will help minimize stress for passengers stranded by disruptions.
• What Passengers Can Do:
  • Plan for the Unexpected: While it’s difficult to prepare for weather-related disruptions, flexibility in travel plans is crucial. Always leave room for potential delays, and consider booking flexible tickets that allow changes in case of emergency cancellations.
  • Leverage Airline Support: If flights are canceled or delayed, ask the airline about compensation options, including food, lodging, or alternate routes.
  • Know Your Rights: Travelers should be aware of their legal rights regarding compensation for cancellations. Depending on the region, airlines might be obligated to cover hotel costs or provide vouchers for future travel.

Restoring the Travel Ecosystem: A Silver Lining Amid the Storm

Despite the massive disruption caused by weather-related flight cancellations, there is a silver lining. The travel and tourism industries are resilient. By learning from this disruption, both airlines and airports can take proactive steps to prevent similar disruptions in the future, ensuring that travelers are less affected.

• A Positive Outlook for the Future:
  • The pandemic has already taught the travel industry the value of agility and adaptation. These lessons, combined with new technologies and improved customer service protocols, will enable airlines to handle weather-related disruptions more efficiently.
  • Local tourism can also bounce back by offering flexible booking options and reinforcing the importance of travel insurance, which can help mitigate the financial impact of cancellations.

Looking Ahead: The Path to Resilient and Efficient Air Travel

As weather-related disruptions continue to challenge airlines and passengers alike, it is crucial for the industry to take steps toward greater resilience. With better technology, more robust communication systems, and a focus on customer care, the aviation industry can recover from these setbacks stronger and more prepared for the future. Travelers, too, can benefit from a proactive approach—being flexible, informed, and patient in the face of adversity. Together, the travel ecosystem can rise above these challenges, ensuring that air travel continues to be an essential and reliable part of global connectivity.