France, Netherlands and Switzerland in Travel Turmoil for 170 Delays and 32 Cancellations by KLM, Swiss, Lufthansa, easyJet and other airlines, Stranding Passengers at Major Airports Roissy, Amsterdam, Zurich and beyond

Published on December 17, 2025

A travel nightmare unfolded across Europe as over 170 flight delays and 32 cancellations affected major airports in France, the Netherlands, and Switzerland. Travelers were left stranded at some of the busiest hubs, including Charles de Gaulle (Roissy) in France, Amsterdam Schiphol in the Netherlands, and Zurich Airport in Switzerland. Airlines such as KLM, Swiss, Lufthansa, and EasyJet were among the main carriers affected, leaving passengers frustrated and confused. The reasons behind these disruptions range from staff shortages to weather disruptions and air traffic control strikes. Here’s a closer look at the chaos and its impact.

Flight Cancellations and Delays: An Overview

Across Europe, flights were thrown into disarray with a total of 32 cancellations and 170 delays reported. Here’s the breakdown:

These delays and cancellations have had a severe impact on travelers, with many stranded at the terminals for hours.

The Situation at Charles de Gaulle (Roissy), France

As one of Europe’s busiest airports, Charles de Gaulle (Roissy) was hit the hardest. 13 cancellations and 82 delays left passengers scrambling for alternate routes and limited assistance.

• Airlines Affected: Major carriers like Air France, Lufthansa, and KLM reported significant delays.
• Cause: A mix of French air traffic control strikes, staff shortages, and operational inefficiencies played a role. Strikes by air traffic controllers have long been a recurring issue, and this latest disruption only highlights the impact of industrial actions on the air travel sector.
• Passenger Experience: Many passengers reported hours of uncertainty as their flight status remained unclear. For those whose flights were cancelled, rebooking was a challenge, and the lack of timely communication left travelers frustrated.

Amsterdam Schiphol: Chaos at the Dutch Gateway

Amsterdam Schiphol followed closely with 13 cancellations and 64 delays. As the Netherlands’ primary international airport, it became a hotspot for disruptions.

• Airlines Affected: KLM, the national carrier, along with EasyJet, were among the hardest hit.
• Cause: Operational bottlenecks, stemming from overbooked flights and tight scheduling, contributed to the delays. Additionally, heavy weather across Europe led to some flights being delayed or diverted.
• Passenger Experience: Travelers reported a lack of information at the airport, with limited staff available to assist during peak hours. The delays were exacerbated by a shortage of ground crew, creating a domino effect of operational failures across multiple terminals.

Zurich Airport: Switzerland Also Suffers

While not as severely affected as Roissy or Schiphol, Zurich Airport saw 6 cancellations and 24 delays, causing significant disruption for travelers.

• Airlines Affected: Swiss International Air Lines, the flag carrier, experienced the most cancellations and delays at this hub.
• Cause: Weather-related issues and high airport traffic during peak hours led to congested airspace, resulting in delayed departures. While Zurich is known for its efficiency, the combination of external factors left the airport struggling to manage its flight schedule.
• Passenger Experience: Although Zurich is typically known for its smooth operations, passengers were left waiting in crowded terminals. The delays particularly impacted those with tight connection times, leaving many in limbo while trying to make alternative arrangements.

What Caused the Chaos?

Multiple factors contributed to the flight disruptions across Europe:

• Air Traffic Control Strikes: In France and the Netherlands, air traffic control strikes were a significant cause of delays. These strikes were planned but created massive backlogs of flights, especially during busy hours.
• Adverse Weather: Parts of Europe were affected by unexpected weather conditions, including heavy rain and strong winds, which caused flight delays and cancellations, particularly at Schiphol and Zurich.
• Operational Bottlenecks: Airlines struggled to manage the volume of passengers due to ongoing staff shortages. This issue, combined with heightened demand during the peak travel season, overwhelmed both airports and airlines.
• Staff Shortages: A lack of ground crew at key airports in France, the Netherlands, and Switzerland led to slow boarding processes and longer wait times for passengers, further compounding the delays.

Impact on Travelers: Stranded Passengers and Limited Support

For travelers, the impact was significant:

• Stranded Passengers: With cancellations and delays spreading throughout the day, many passengers were left stranded in airport terminals without clear communication from airlines or airport staff.
• Connecting Flights: Those with connecting flights faced even greater challenges, as they struggled to find alternative routes or rebook their travel. Passengers in transit at major hubs like Schiphol and Zurich had to endure long waits while trying to catch the next available flight.
• Frustration and Confusion: Many passengers expressed frustration with the lack of assistance at the airports. Some travelers reported that their flights were cancelled with little notice, forcing them to scramble for new bookings.

What Affected Passengers Can Do Now:

If you find yourself caught up in the travel chaos, here’s what you can do:

• Check Flight Status Regularly: Always check for the latest flight updates via airline apps or websites before heading to the airport.
• Contact Airlines Immediately: If your flight is cancelled, get in touch with the airline as soon as possible to secure a new booking. Airlines often provide rebooking options or compensation for cancellations.
• Know Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with passenger rights regarding cancellations and delays. In many cases, airlines are legally obligated to offer compensation for significant delays or cancellations.
• Be Prepared for Long Waits: During peak travel periods or when disruptions occur, expect longer than usual wait times. Bring essentials such as snacks, water, and entertainment to keep yourself comfortable.
• Alternative Airports: If you’re flying into or out of an affected airport, consider alternative routes or airports nearby, especially if you’re traveling to a major city.

Conclusion: Will the Chaos Continue?

As of now, the travel chaos affecting France, the Netherlands, and Switzerland has begun to ease, but the underlying issues—such as air traffic control strikes and staffing shortages—are likely to continue affecting European airports. The impact on passengers has been severe, with many experiencing significant delays and cancellations. However, by staying informed and proactive, travelers can navigate these disruptions more effectively.

Airlines and airports are working to resolve these issues, but passengers are advised to remain flexible with their travel plans. Monitoring flight updates, knowing your rights, and seeking alternative routes can make a significant difference during these challenging times.

Source: Different airports and FlightAware