Passengers Stranded as Iberia, British Airways, and Avianca is Hit by Major Flight Disruptions Causing 86 Delays and 71 Cancellations Affecting London Madrid, Copenhagen, Orlando and More

Published on December 1, 2025

Travel plans have been significantly disrupted as Iberia, British Airways, and Avianca were forced to cancel numerous flights affecting travellers globally. With the holiday season approaching, these disruptions have created frustration for passengers, especially those traveling to and from key international hubs in Europe, Latin America, and beyond.

Cancelled British Airways Flight

Cancelled Avianca Flights

Cancelled Iberia Flights

The ongoing flight cancellations from Iberia, British Airways, and Avianca appear to be due to a combination of operational challenges and staffing shortages, which continue to affect multiple global airlines in 2025. Flight delays and cancellations are often linked to the following causes:

• Weather-related disruptions: Adverse weather conditions across Europe and Latin America have caused serious operational delays.
• Air traffic control restrictions: Airspace congestion and operational delays at busy airports have caused cancellations.
• Staffing issues: Shortages of crew and operational personnel have led to difficulties in maintaining flight schedules.
• Technical issues with aircraft: Aircraft maintenance and unexpected technical failures can result in flight delays or cancellations.

These ongoing issues have strained the airlines’ ability to meet travel demands, particularly during the busy holiday seasons.

Key Destinations Affected

These cancellations are impacting a wide range of international destinations, including major hubs in Europe, Latin America, and the United States. Affected countries and destinations include:

• Spain (Madrid) — The primary hub for Iberia cancellations.
• United States (Boston, Orlando, Miami) — Major airports for both Iberia and British Airways flights.
• Colombia (Bogotá) — Affected by Avianca’s cancellations.
• Venezuela (Caracas, Maiquetía) — International connections for Iberia and Avianca.
• Chile (Santiago) — South American destination significantly impacted by flight disruptions.
• Latin America (Regional) — Destinations across Central and South America are disrupted.

Advice for Passengers Affected by Flight Cancellations

Passengers affected by these cancellations should take the following steps:

• Check Flight Status: Always verify the current status of your flight on the airline’s official website or app to avoid surprises.
• Rebooking: Airlines are required to rebook affected passengers at no additional cost. If an alternative flight is not available, request a refund.
• Stay Informed: Stay updated with communication from the airline. Ensure they offer accommodation or meals if necessary, especially if overnight delays occur.
• Know Your Rights: If your flight is cancelled, you may be entitled to compensation based on regulations like EU Regulation 261/2004.
• Travel Insurance: Consider filing for travel insurance claims if you are facing major delays or cancellations affecting your holiday or business plans.

How Airlines Can Improve Operations

Airlines need to address the root causes of these cancellations to improve their service reliability. Some areas that need attention include:

• Better staffing and recruitment: Ensuring airlines have sufficient crew and operational support to manage fluctuating demands.
• Improved communication with passengers: Real-time updates, better notifications, and proactive assistance can alleviate some of the stress passengers face during disruptions.
• Investment in technology: Automated systems and predictive analytics can help airlines anticipate delays and prevent overbooking or technical failures.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Air Travel

The wave of cancellations from Iberia, British Airways, and Avianca highlights the ongoing challenges facing the global aviation industry. With passenger demand on the rise, airlines must adapt to meet the increased expectations of travellers, improving their response to operational challenges while maintaining transparency and communication. Passengers are urged to remain flexible, consider alternative travel insurance, and keep track of updates to ensure a smoother travel experience in the face of these ongoing disruptions.