Hundreds of Passengers Stranded in Paris as Charles de Gaulle and Paris Orly Delay 562 Flights and Cancel 14, Impacting Air France, easyJet, SAS, British Airways and Others in New York, London, Frankfurt and More

Published on December 29, 2025

Travel disruptions continue to plague Paris airports today, with Charles de Gaulle/Roissy and Paris Orly facing significant operational challenges. Passengers at Charles de Gaulle have faced 379 delays and 12 cancellations, while Paris Orly reported 183 delays and 2 cancellations, causing widespread frustration for travelers.

As two of the busiest airports in Europe, Charles de Gaulle and Paris Orly are vital hubs for both domestic and international flights. However, today’s operational difficulties have led to long waiting times, crowded terminals, and a significant ripple effect on air travel in and out of France. Travelers flying to major destinations such as New York, London, and Rome have seen their plans severely impacted.

Airlines Affected by Delays and Cancellations

Among the hardest-hit airlines at Charles de Gaulle is Air France, which accounted for a significant number of the delays. With 159 delays and 7 cancellations, the airline has struggled to maintain its usual flight schedule, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded in terminals.

easyJet has also experienced a major operational setback, with 47 delayed flights at Charles de Gaulle, contributing to the growing travel chaos. Other airlines, including Scandinavian Airlines and SAS, have also seen notable delays today, adding further strain to the airport’s systems.

At Paris Orly, the delays were primarily concentrated on easyJet flights, with 18 delays affecting a significant portion of the airline’s schedule. Air France also saw 13 delays, along with other minor disruptions from carriers like Air Corsica, Chalair Aviation, and Corsair International.

Despite these setbacks, easyJet and Air France have been working with ground crews to rebook passengers and provide alternatives where possible, though long waiting times are expected for those affected by the flight cancellations and delays.

Why Are Paris Airports Facing These Disruptions?

The reasons behind today’s delays and cancellations at Charles de Gaulle and Paris Orly are multi-faceted, with several contributing factors at play. Weather-related issues, such as heavy fog and adverse conditions across northern Europe, have disrupted air traffic flows, leading to delays in take-offs and arrivals. Moreover, staffing shortages and air traffic control congestion have compounded the situation, particularly at peak times during the day.

According to reports from the French Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC), the delays were exacerbated by a combination of operational delays at other European hubs, contributing to the broader disruption at Paris airports. Air France, the dominant airline at Charles de Gaulle, reported increased delays for its flights from and to long-haul destinations like New York and Tokyo, where flight rescheduling was a necessary measure to accommodate delayed arrivals.

Additionally, technical difficulties involving baggage handling systems and security procedures at Charles de Gaulle added extra time to processing and boarding, further contributing to the delays. Orly, being a smaller airport, faced fewer cancellations, but its resources were still stretched thin by the volume of delays, particularly for regional flights.

Passengers Left Stranded: The Impact on Travelers

For travelers, the reality of today’s delays and cancellations has been frustrating. Long queues at check-in counters and departure gates have become commonplace, as passengers wait for flight updates or alternative arrangements. With 379 delays at Charles de Gaulle and 183 delays at Paris Orly, the sheer volume of affected travelers has placed a significant burden on airport staff and resources.

Those flying to and from the United States, Europe, and Africa have been especially impacted, with several long-haul flights delayed by several hours. The most common route disruptions have been flights to New York, London, Toronto, and Frankfurt, where large numbers of passengers had to be rescheduled or rerouted due to logistical bottlenecks.

Travelers have been urged to stay informed through official channels, including airline apps and airport websites, to receive the latest updates on their flight status. For passengers whose flights have been cancelled, airlines are offering hotel accommodations and meal vouchers as compensation, though passengers have been advised to expect delays in rebooking due to the high volume of impacted flights.

How Are Paris Airports Managing the Situation?

Despite the operational difficulties, Paris airports have activated their contingency plans to help manage the chaos. Both Charles de Gaulle and Paris Orly have set up additional information counters and customer service teams to assist travelers with rebooking and finding alternate routes. However, the long lines for rebooking at these airports have made it clear that the disruptions are causing more than just logistical challenges.

Air France, for example, has mobilized additional staff to assist with the high volume of rebookings, with dedicated teams working on affected passengers’ itineraries. The airline is working in coordination with airport authorities to help passengers navigate the check-in process and boarding procedures, though airport congestion remains an ongoing concern.

What Travelers Should Do

Passengers scheduled to fly from Charles de Gaulle or Paris Orly today are encouraged to check flight statuses regularly before arriving at the airport. With delays expected to continue throughout the day, travelers should be prepared for longer waiting times at security checks, baggage claims, and boarding gates.

In addition to staying updated through their airlines’ official communication channels, travelers are advised to arrive earlier than usual at the airports, given the likelihood of delays at check-in counters and security checks.

For those whose flights have been cancelled or severely delayed, it is advisable to speak with airline representatives about rebooking options, as well as to confirm accommodation arrangements if necessary.

Looking Forward: The Future of Paris Air Travel

While the immediate disruptions are expected to resolve over the next few hours, Charles de Gaulle and Paris Orly must address the underlying challenges that led to today’s delays. It’s clear that staffing shortages, weather conditions, and airport congestion need to be more effectively managed to minimize such disruptions in the future.

As the French aviation sector rebounds post-pandemic, Paris airports are expected to invest further in their infrastructure and staffing levels to avoid these types of operational setbacks.

Conclusion

Today’s disruptions at Charles de Gaulle and Paris Orly airports highlight the complexities of air travel in today’s busy climate. With 379 delays and 12 cancellations at Charles de Gaulle and 183 delays and 2 cancellations at Paris Orly, passengers across the world have faced significant travel challenges. Airlines and airport authorities are working tirelessly to restore normal operations, but travelers must remain patient and stay informed.

For more updates and travel tips, passengers are advised to follow their airline’s official channels and to regularly check for flight status updates via Charles de Gaulle’s and Paris Orly’s official websites.