Norway, Spain, US, Saudi Arabia, Singapore And Other Nations Stranded As London Heathrow Airport Sees 65 Flight Delays And 15 Cancellations Amid SAS Strike Action

Published on December 26, 2025

Norway, Spain, US, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, and other nations are facing significant travel disruptions as London Heathrow Airport experiences 65 flight delays and 15 cancellations due to the ongoing SAS strike action. The walkout by Scandinavian Airlines Services (SAS) cabin crew, scheduled for December 24 and 26, has worsened an already chaotic holiday travel period, affecting flights to key destinations across Europe, North America, and the Middle East. As a result, passengers traveling to cities like New York, Dubai, and Copenhagen are stranded, with no immediate solutions in sight.

The holiday travel season is upon us, and London Heathrow Airport, one of the busiest airports in the world, is facing severe disruptions due to a combination of flight cancellations, delays, and a looming strike by Scandinavian Airlines Services (SAS) cabin crew. As families and travelers flock to London to celebrate Christmas, these issues are creating chaos not only at the airport but also across international destinations.

As of today, 65 flights have been delayed, and 15 flights have been canceled at London Heathrow. While British Airways, the UK’s flagship airline, has experienced the most significant number of cancellations, other major airlines including Delta, American Airlines, Emirates, and Kenya Airways have also been affected. Travelers headed to destinations like New York, Dubai, and Riyadh are facing long delays and uncertainty regarding flight schedules.

This is compounded by the Scandinavian Airlines Services (SAS) cabin crew strike, which is set to occur on December 24 and 26, further worsening the travel experience for passengers flying to hubs like Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Oslo. This strike, which is part of ongoing labor disputes in the aviation industry, has already begun to disrupt travel plans for both European and international travelers. As passengers scramble to rebook their flights, the holiday chaos at Heathrow is expected to escalate.

The Impact on Airlines and Routes

London Heathrow is a central hub for numerous international airlines. The delays and cancellations have created ripple effects for many of these carriers, especially those with high volumes of travelers in the lead-up to Christmas.

Here’s a breakdown of the airlines affected and their performance at the airport today:

British Airways, the airport’s largest carrier, leads the list in both cancellations and delays, accounting for nearly 1% of the total cancellations and 4% of the delays. Flights to New York (JFK) and King Khalid International (RUH) have been particularly hard-hit, with several flights from Heathrow suspended or significantly delayed. Additionally, American Airlines and Delta Air Lines have also experienced disruptions, impacting passengers bound for destinations such as Dallas and Washington D.C. These delays and cancellations reflect the airport’s struggle with handling the high volume of travelers during the peak holiday season.

Route Disruptions at London Heathrow

The ongoing travel disruptions have not been confined to just the airlines; specific routes are also bearing the brunt of the chaos. Heathrow’s connections to key international cities like New York, Riyadh, and Dubai are among the hardest hit. These routes serve as crucial lifelines for business travelers and tourists alike. The delays are primarily due to aircraft reallocation, staffing shortages, and the ripple effect of the SAS cabin crew strike.

Here’s a closer look at the routes affected by cancellations at Heathrow today:

These routes show how various airlines are struggling to maintain schedules during this peak period. British Airways flights to New York (JFK) and Riyadh (RUH) have been particularly affected. Many of these disruptions have been compounded by poor weather conditions, staffing shortages, and the ongoing strike by SAS cabin crew, which is further affecting European connections.

The Impact of the SAS Strike on Travel

Scandinavian Airlines Services (SAS), which operates several routes out of Heathrow, has announced a walkout by its cabin crew on December 24 and 26, 2025. This strike is expected to heavily impact flights between London and Scandinavian hubs like Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Oslo. These cities are significant connections for travelers flying to and from Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, which are experiencing an uptick in flight cancellations during this period.

The decision to strike comes as part of ongoing negotiations between the airline and its staff. With several international airports across Europe already struggling with staffing shortages, the timing couldn’t be worse. Travelers planning to head to Scandinavia over the Christmas period may face significant challenges rebooking flights, particularly if they’re flying with SAS.

What Travelers Need to Know

As Christmas approaches, it’s essential for travelers to stay informed about the ongoing disruptions. Here are some key takeaways for those flying through London Heathrow:

• Check your flight status regularly: Given the ongoing cancellations and delays, it’s crucial to keep tabs on your flight’s status. Airline apps, airport websites, and customer service lines will provide the latest updates on any changes.
• Expect longer wait times: Delays at security checkpoints, longer queues at check-in counters, and crowded departure gates are likely. Arrive at the airport well in advance of your flight.
• Plan for alternative routes: If you’re flying to New York, Dubai, or other affected cities, consider booking alternate routes or checking with airlines for rerouted flights.

Additionally, the SAS cabin crew strike will likely result in further delays on December 24 and 26, especially for travelers heading to Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Oslo.

Norway, Spain, US, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, and other nations are stranded as London Heathrow Airport sees 65 flight delays and 15 cancellations due to the ongoing SAS strike action. The walkout by Scandinavian Airlines Services’ cabin crew has caused widespread disruptions, particularly affecting flights to major international hubs.

The travel disruptions at London Heathrow Airport during the peak Christmas period are having far-reaching consequences, not only affecting UK-bound flights but also passengers traveling to destinations across Europe, North America, and the Middle East. With 65 flights delayed and 15 flights canceled, and the added complication of the SAS strike looming, travelers should be prepared for significant delays. Keeping up-to-date with the latest flight information and being ready for potential reroutes will be essential for ensuring a smoother holiday travel experience.