Severe Travel Hiccups Hit Europe as Vueling, Aeroflot, Wizz, Edelweiss and More Airlines Face Over 500 Delays and 19 Cancellations, Affecting Passengers in Italy, Russia, Turkey, Switzerland at Rome, Moscow, Istanbul, Zurich and Beyond

Published on December 25, 2025

Severe travel disruptions are affecting travelers across Europe as Vueling, Aeroflot, Wizz Air, Edelweiss, and more airlines face over 500 delays and 19 cancellations. The ripple effect of these disruptions has been felt in Italy, Russia, Turkey, and Switzerland, with key cities like Rome, Moscow, Istanbul, and Zurich heavily impacted. Passengers traveling through these cities are experiencing long waits, uncertainty, and frustration due to a mix of operational issues, staffing shortages, adverse weather conditions, and technical difficulties. These factors have caused a backlog of flights, straining airport resources and leading to delayed and canceled departures. Italy, Russia, Turkey, and Switzerland are seeing delays at their busiest airports, struggling to manage the increased demand and operational challenges.

Total Disruptions across Europe Today

The data from several prominent European airports and airlines paints a picture of widespread disruption. With a total of 19 cancellations and 546 delays across key airports and airlines, Europe’s travel landscape is struggling to manage the surge in demand and operational challenges.

Airports Impacted

London Heathrow (LHR), a major international hub, has seen 8 cancellations and 63 delays, marking a notable disruption for passengers traveling to and from the UK. Similarly, Paris’s Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci Int’l (FCO) airports are not immune to the chaos, reporting 1 and 2 cancellations, respectively, and significant delays — 125 at CDG and 23 at FCO.

Further east, Russian airports such as Sheremetyevo (SVO) and Vnukovo (VKO) have been struggling with 1 cancellation each and 115 and 34 delays, respectively. Istanbul Airport, serving as a key transcontinental hub, recorded 2 cancellations and 111 delays, while Sabiha Gokcen (SAW) also faced 63 delays.

Affected Airlines

Airlines across Europe have also been severely affected, with British Airways and Air France being among the hardest hit. British Airways, based in the UK, reported 7 cancellations and 28 delays, while Air France saw 3 cancellations and 76 delays. The Spanish carrier Vueling Airlines reported 1 cancellation and 25 delays, with Switzerland’s Edelweiss Air AG seeing 1 cancellation and 7 delays. Aeroflot, operating out of Russia, was particularly impacted, with 1 cancellation and 134 delays, reflecting operational strains and challenges associated with current geopolitical tensions.

Impact on Passengers across Europe and What They Can Do Now

With over 500 delays and nearly 20 cancellations affecting flights across European airports, passengers are understandably frustrated and seeking solutions. The most important advice for travelers is to stay informed and proactive.

Stay Updated on Flight Status

Passengers are strongly advised to regularly check their flight status on their airline’s website or via flight-tracking apps. Airlines like British Airways, Air France, and Vueling often update their systems in real-time, and passengers should be prepared for changes to their flight schedules.

Reach Out for Alternative Arrangements

In cases of flight cancellations or long delays, affected passengers should contact their airline’s customer service. Many airlines provide options such as rebooking on later flights or offering compensation, including meal vouchers, hotel stays, or financial compensation, depending on the delay’s length.

Know Your Rights

EU regulation 261/2004 protects air passengers’ rights in the event of cancellations and delays. If a flight is delayed for more than 3 hours or canceled, passengers may be entitled to compensation, including a full refund or rerouting to their destination. It’s essential for travelers to understand their rights and act promptly.

Final Words

With 19 cancellations and 546 delays impacting flights across key European airports, the travel disruptions are a stark reminder of the challenges passengers face during peak travel seasons. For those flying through major hubs like London Heathrow, Paris Charles de Gaulle, or Moscow Sheremetyevo, it’s crucial to stay informed and know what actions to take if your flight is affected. As airlines and airports continue to work on resolving the operational issues, passengers are encouraged to explore all available options to mitigate the impact of these disruptions.

Source: FlightAware and Affected Airports