Portugal, UK, Sweden, Denmark, and More Face Severe Travel Disruptions with 52 Cancellations and 288 Delays by easyJet, British, Pegasus, Scandinavian, Ryanair, and Other Airlines, Isolating Passengers in Madeira, Porto, Krakow, Copenhagen, and Beyond

Published on December 13, 2025

European air travel has come to a standstill, with 52 flights canceled and 288 others delayed, causing severe disruption to thousands of passengers. Airlines including easyJet, United Airlines, Ryanair, Pegasus, British Airways, and Scandinavian Airlines have all been caught up in the mayhem, with travelers facing delays and cancellations across popular destinations like Porto, Krakow, Madeira, and Copenhagen. Passengers heading into the holiday season are especially affected as they deal with rescheduling headaches, long queues, and uncertain travel plans.

Overview of Total Cancellations and Delays

The recent disruptions have resulted in 52 flight cancellations and 288 delays across several major airlines, including easyJet, United Airlines, Ryanair, Pegasus, British Airways, and Scandinavian Airlines. These cancellations and delays have caused widespread chaos, especially as the holiday season approaches, affecting travel plans for thousands of passengers across Europe. The following table provides a breakdown of the total cancellations and delays by airline:

With the holiday season fast approaching, these disruptions have thrown travel plans into chaos, especially for passengers traveling to and from cities like Porto, Krakow, and Copenhagen. The ripple effect from these cancellations is being felt across airports, leaving frustrated passengers with limited options for rebooking and rescheduling.

Major Affected Airport Analysis

Madeira (Funchal Airport): A popular holiday destination, Madeira’s airport faced massive disruption due to easyJet and Ryanair cancellations, causing headaches for many travelers flying to and from this scenic island.

Porto (Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport): With 20 cancellations and over 100 delays across easyJet, British Airways, and Ryanair, Porto’s airport has seen its fair share of chaos. Passengers had no choice but to wait for rebooking or explore alternative routes, adding to their frustration.

Krakow (John Paul II International Airport): Krakow was another hub severely impacted by cancellations from easyJet and United Airlines. The popular tourist city now faces backlogs of passengers who had to deal with significant delays on flights from various European hubs.

Copenhagen (Copenhagen Airport): Scandinavian Airlines flights to and from Copenhagen were particularly delayed due to weather and operational issues, causing frustration for passengers with tight schedules and connecting flights.

easyJet: Leading the Chaos

Total Cancellations: 20 | Total Delays: 193

easyJet has been the hardest hit airline, with 20 cancellations and a staggering 193 delays. Operational struggles, crew shortages, and adverse weather conditions have all contributed to the chaos. Popular routes from Porto and Krakow saw the highest number of disruptions, with many passengers left stranded.

United Airlines: A Series of Setbacks

Total Cancellations: 12 | Total Delays: 26

United Airlines, primarily affecting routes from London to US destinations, had 12 cancellations and 26 delays, adding to the ripple effect felt across European airports. Technical issues and staffing shortages led to significant disruptions, especially for travelers making connecting flights.

Pegasus Airlines: Fewer Cancellations, Significant Delays

Total Cancellations: 4 | Total Delays: 45

Pegasus Airlines, with its limited number of cancellations, still faced significant delays—45 in total. Passengers bound for Istanbul and beyond had to contend with late departures, forcing many to adjust their travel plans or miss connecting flights.

British Airways: Minor, Yet Impactful

Total Cancellations: 2 | Total Delays: 68

While British Airways saw fewer cancellations (only two), 68 delays caused considerable strain for passengers traveling between London and several European destinations.

Scandinavian Airlines: A Smaller But Persistent Issue

Total Cancellations: 4 | Total Delays: 3

Scandinavian Airlines experienced fewer disruptions, but its flights were still affected. The primary causes were adverse weather conditions in Northern Europe and minor technical issues. Passengers in Copenhagen and Stockholm faced a series of delays, albeit shorter ones compared to those caused by other airlines.

Ryanair: Moderate Impact Across Europe

Total Cancellations: 10 | Total Delays: 53

Ryanair’s disruptions were more moderate, with 10 cancellations and 53 delays reported across several European airports. Routes from Lisbon, Porto, and Madrid saw the most cancellations, with many travelers left in the lurch, seeking alternatives.

Causes of Cancellations and Delays

Several factors have contributed to the widespread disruptions:

• Weather Conditions: Winter weather has played a major role in delays and cancellations, particularly for flights in Northern Europe. Storms and poor visibility led to flight rerouting and cancellations.
• Staffing Shortages: Many airlines, including easyJet and United Airlines, have struggled with staffing shortages, which exacerbated the disruptions, especially during peak hours.
• Operational and Technical Issues: Airlines like British Airways and Ryanair experienced delays caused by operational and technical issues, including aircraft maintenance and crew shortages.
• Air Traffic Control Delays: Congestion in European airspace and air traffic control issues also contributed to the delays, especially for larger hubs like London and Paris.

Impact on Travel and Passengers

The ongoing disruptions have caused massive headaches for travelers, especially as the holiday season nears. With limited options for rebooking, many passengers have been forced to adjust their plans or look for alternative transport, such as trains or buses. The crowded airports have seen long queues, with some travelers opting to wait overnight at terminals, adding to the stress.

The delays have also impacted business travel, with professionals facing missed meetings and events. Leisure travelers, meanwhile, are struggling to reach their holiday destinations, leading to growing frustration as Christmas and New Year’s approaches.

Advice for Passengers

For those affected by these disruptions, here are a few important tips:

• Monitor Updates: Always keep checking your airline’s website or app for the latest status on your flight. Many airlines provide real-time updates and rebooking options.
• Know Your Rights: Depending on your location and the airline, you may be entitled to compensation or a refund for long delays or cancellations. Make sure to read the airline’s terms.
• Alternative Travel Options: If your flight is canceled or significantly delayed, consider looking into other forms of transport like trains or buses, especially for short-haul routes.
• Be Prepared: Ensure you have snacks, drinks, and entertainment to help pass the time while waiting for your new flight or when stuck at the airport.

Conclusion

The ongoing flight disruptions caused by cancellations and delays across top European airlines have thrown thousands of travelers’ plans into disarray. While the airlines work to manage the situation, the holiday travel season remains in jeopardy for many. Passengers are advised to remain flexible, stay updated, and explore alternative travel options as the situation continues to unfold. As airlines face operational challenges, the next few weeks will be crucial for managing the flow of travelers across Europe.

Source: Different airports and FlightAware