Frustrated Passengers Left in Limbo as 40 Flights Are Cancelled and 183 Face Postponements Due to Extreme Weather – Major Disruptions by Air France, British Airways, and Air New Zealand Affect France, the UK, and New Zealand: Here’s What You Must Know About the Travel Chaos

Published on December 26, 2025

Frustrated passengers are left in limbo as 40 flights are cancelled and 183 face postponements due to extreme weather conditions. Major disruptions by Air France, British Airways, and Air New Zealand have wreaked havoc on travelers, with flights affected in France, the UK, and New Zealand. The chaos has stranded thousands of passengers, causing delays at major airports across these regions. These disruptions stem from severe weather conditions that have forced airlines to halt flights, leaving passengers scrambling for alternative travel options. As the weather continues to cause setbacks, travelers are finding it increasingly difficult to reach their destinations. The storm’s impact is far-reaching, affecting both international and domestic routes. If you’re one of the many affected, here’s what you must know about the travel chaos and how these cancellations and delays are disrupting flights across France, the UK, and New Zealand.

Over 40 Flights Cancelled: The Airlines Affected

Air France – 18 Flights Cancelled Due to Weather

Air France has faced substantial disruptions, with several flights between Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and North America heavily impacted. Adverse weather conditions, including storms at key U.S. airports, forced the airline to cancel over 18 flights. These cancellations primarily affected destinations like New York (JFK), Newark (KEWR), and Montreal (CYUL), stranding passengers and causing delays in air traffic.

British Airways – 18 Flights Cancelled from London Heathrow

British Airways, operating out of London Heathrow (LHR), was also significantly affected, with 9 flights cancelled, mostly on routes to major North American hubs such as New York (JFK) and Montreal (CYUL). The combination of poor weather conditions and ongoing airport congestion resulted in widespread flight delays and cancellations, leading to major disruptions for international travelers.

Air New Zealand – 4 Flights Cancelled Due to Severe Weather in New Zealand

Air New Zealand, known for its domestic routes within New Zealand, also had to cancel several flights due to severe weather conditions impacting Wellington, Christchurch, and Napier. Passengers on domestic flights, including those connecting through Wellington International (WLG) and Christchurch International (CHC), were left stranded due to heavy rain and gusty winds, causing further delays in the local aviation system.

A Closer Look at the Impacted Routes and Cities

Air France – Affected Routes

Air France’s major affected routes include:

• Paris (CDG) to New York (JFK): A significant number of cancellations between Paris and New York have caused chaos for business travelers, tourists, and families trying to reach the U.S.
• Paris (CDG) to Newark (KEWR): Several flights were grounded, disrupting travelers on their way to the U.S. East Coast and further impacting connections to domestic U.S. flights.
• Paris (CDG) to Montreal (CYUL): Air France’s transatlantic service to Canada also faced disruptions, affecting Canadian-bound tourists and business travelers.

British Airways – Affected Routes

For British Airways, key routes that were cancelled include:

• London Heathrow (LHR) to New York (JFK): A key transatlantic route, these cancellations resulted in stranded passengers, especially during peak business travel times.
• London Heathrow (LHR) to Montreal (CYUL): This vital route for both leisure and business travelers was significantly impacted by weather disruptions, leading to major delays.

Air New Zealand – Affected Routes

Air New Zealand saw domestic cancellations affecting several of its key routes, including:

• Wellington (WLG) to Napier (NPE): This connection between the North and South Islands was disrupted, stranding passengers who were traveling for business or leisure.
• Wellington (WLG) to Christchurch (CHC): These domestic flights are essential for regional tourism, with cancellations causing major inconvenience for passengers traveling between the South and North Islands.

Key Airports Affected by the Cancellations

Air France – Major Affected Airports

• Charles de Gaulle (CDG): As Air France’s main hub, CDG faced severe congestion and delays due to cancellations. Passengers who were expecting smooth international connections found themselves in long lines and uncertain schedules.
• John F Kennedy (JFK): JFK airport, as a destination for many of Air France’s international flights, saw massive delays and operational challenges due to the weather. The result was a ripple effect across connecting flights.

British Airways – Major Affected Airports

• London Heathrow (LHR): The primary base for British Airways, Heathrow saw multiple flight cancellations and delays. The airport, already operating at full capacity, struggled with the additional burden caused by weather-related disruptions.
• Newark Liberty International (KEWR): Affected by incoming delayed flights from London, Newark passengers faced delays in their onward connections, making it one of the most congested airports during this period.

Air New Zealand – Major Affected Airports

• Wellington International (WLG): Severe weather conditions significantly impacted Wellington’s regional connectivity. Passengers were left stranded as key flights were cancelled, causing further disruptions for travelers heading to other parts of New Zealand.
• Christchurch International (CHC): With domestic flights to and from Christchurch grounded, passengers who were scheduled to visit New Zealand’s South Island for leisure or business travel faced considerable delays.
• Napier (NPE): Weather disruptions halted flights between Wellington and Napier, impacting local business and tourism, particularly in New Zealand’s North Island.

Impact on Passengers and Their Travel Plans

The impact on passengers has been far-reaching. Thousands of passengers are facing unexpected delays and cancellations, with limited options for rebooking flights, especially during peak travel periods. The stranded passengers not only incur additional costs for meals and accommodations but also experience stress and frustration due to the lack of clear communication regarding rebooking and alternative flight options.

Many travelers have been unable to attend important business meetings, family gatherings, or planned vacations due to the unpredictable nature of the cancellations. These inconveniences are compounded by long wait times at check-in counters, flight rebooking desks, and customer service hotlines, further diminishing the overall travel experience.

The Economic Impact on Local Tourism

Air France – Tourism Impact in France and North America

In France, the cancellation of key international flights has led to a downturn in tourist numbers, particularly in Paris. The impact on tourism is felt not just at the iconic Eiffel Tower but also in hotels, restaurants, and cultural venues that rely on international tourists. In North America, cities like New York, Newark, and Montreal saw a decline in the arrival of international tourists, which has affected local businesses, from hospitality to retail.

British Airways – Tourism Impact in the UK and North America

The cancellations from London Heathrow have significantly impacted inbound tourism to the UK. With a dip in international arrivals, major tourist attractions in London, such as the British Museum and West End theaters, are witnessing fewer visitors, which could lead to a drop in revenue for local businesses that rely on overseas customers. Similarly, in North America, key destinations like New York and Montreal are seeing a decline in tourist activity, with significant economic ramifications for local tourism industries.

Air New Zealand – Tourism Impact in New Zealand

In New Zealand, where domestic tourism is a key economic driver, flight cancellations between Wellington, Christchurch, and Napier have led to disruptions in business and leisure travel. The South Island, known for its natural attractions like Fiordland National Park and Queenstown, has seen a decline in the number of tourists arriving. Hotels, tour operators, and transport services in these regions have faced a sharp decrease in bookings, negatively affecting the local economy.

How the Tourism Industry Can Bounce Back

While the cancellations and disruptions have certainly caused challenges, there are several steps the tourism and aviation industries can take to ensure recovery:

• Improving Communication: Airlines must provide real-time updates to passengers, offering immediate solutions and flexibility in rebooking flights.
• Boosting Local Tourism: Governments and tourism boards should promote domestic travel, offering incentives to travelers who may have been affected by international cancellations.
• Enhanced Crisis Management: Airlines can invest in better technology and systems for managing weather-related disruptions and offer flexible policies to support affected passengers.

A Path Forward: Optimism for the Travel Industry

Despite the challenges posed by these cancellations, the future of the travel industry remains bright. With better planning, faster crisis response systems, and an emphasis on customer satisfaction, the tourism sector is poised to recover quickly. Travelers and the industry can take lessons from these disruptions and work together to create more resilient and sustainable travel options moving forward.