Thousands Of Passenger Stranded across Europe as Denmark, Ireland, Poland, Switzerland, Germany, and More Delays 1176 and cancelled 52 flights impacting SAS Link , Lufthansa, Finnair, easyJet, Swiss, and other airlines in Copenhagen, Heathrow, Dublin, Oslo, and Krakow

Published on December 8, 2025

Thousands of passengers were stranded across Europe on December 7, 2025, as 1,176 flights were delayed and 52 flights cancelled due to a combination of severe weather conditions, air traffic control issues, and technical difficulties at major airports. The disruptions impacted several major airlines, including SAS Link, Lufthansa, Finnair, easyJet, Swiss, and more, causing significant delays and cancellations at key hubs like Copenhagen, Heathrow, Dublin, Oslo, and Krakow. These operational challenges have led to chaos for travelers, many of whom are still facing uncertainty over rebooking and alternative travel options.

In a significant travel disruption across Europe, thousands of passengers were stranded on December 7, 2025, as 1,176 flights were delayed, and 52 flights were cancelled. This chaos was triggered by a series of operational issues, including weather disruptions, technical problems, and air traffic control challenges, affecting major airports such as Copenhagen, Heathrow, Dublin, Oslo, and Krakow. Airlines like SAS Link, Lufthansa, Finnair, easyJet, and Swiss were the hardest hit, leaving passengers with long waits and uncertainties regarding alternative flights. The ongoing travel issues have drawn attention to the vulnerability of European air travel during the winter season, especially as disruptions continue to ripple across the continent.
As Europe grapples with these extensive delays and cancellations, affected airlines include easyJet, Lufthansa, SAS Link, Finnair, Swiss, and more. Airlines and airports are working hard to manage the situation, but for many travelers, the disruption has added frustration to their travel plans.

Impact on Airports

The following table highlights the most significant disruptions at airports across Europe, detailing the number of cancellations and delays that passengers faced.

The table above provides a snapshot of the major airports affected by flight cancellations and delays. Charles de Gaulle and London Heathrow, two of Europe’s busiest airports, reported a significant number of delays, with Heathrow alone experiencing a total of 334 delayed flights. Other airports, including Krakow and Dublin, also experienced delays and cancellations that stranded passengers for extended periods.

Impact on Airlines

Similarly, the airline industry faced widespread disruptions as several major carriers were forced to cancel and delay flights, leading to a ripple effect that left passengers stranded. The following table breaks down the cancellation and delay figures for some of the most affected airlines:

The data shows easyJet as one of the most affected carriers, with 10 flight cancellations and nearly 320 delays across its network. Airlines like SAS Link and Finnair were also severely impacted, although with a slightly lower percentage of cancellations compared to easyJet. The disruption was felt widely, as passengers struggled to make alternative plans and adjust their itineraries.

City-by-City Impact

Copenhagen (CPH)

In Copenhagen, travelers were left stranded as delays and cancellations accumulated. With three flights cancelled and 50 delayed, the city’s international gateway saw a 11% delay rate. Passengers traveling to and from Copenhagen faced hours-long waits as staff scrambled to manage rebooking efforts and assist those who were affected. Local transport services, too, were stretched as passengers attempted to reach alternate airports or get to their hotels.

Heathrow (LHR)

London Heathrow, one of Europe’s busiest hubs, faced a substantial strain. With nine flights cancelled and 334 delays reported, the airport saw significant chaos throughout the day. Passengers traveling through Heathrow experienced long lines at customer service counters, while many were forced to wait for hours to get updates on their rescheduled flights. The delays severely impacted travelers’ schedules, and many found themselves facing additional travel costs to find alternative connections.

Dublin (DUB)

Dublin’s airport was another major point of congestion during the travel disruptions. Although the number of cancelled flights (three) was not as high as at some other airports, 94 delays left passengers in limbo for extended periods. Travelers from Dublin were advised to check their flight statuses frequently to avoid further inconveniences, and many were provided meal vouchers as they awaited new departures.

Oslo (OSL)

Norway’s Gardermoen Airport (OSL) also experienced delays, though to a lesser extent than other airports. With only three flights cancelled and a 7% delay rate, the disruptions in Oslo were relatively moderate. However, passengers still faced long delays due to cascading problems affecting other airports and airlines across Europe. Oslo’s transport links to the airport were operational, but passengers were advised to allow extra time to avoid missing connections.

Krakow (KRK)

Krakow, which is not usually a major international hub, saw a significant impact from the flight disruptions. With 10 cancelled flights (5% of departures) and 150 delays (47% of departures), Krakow experienced one of the highest disruption rates across European airports. The airport’s capacity to manage the situation was tested as passengers tried to find alternatives to continue their journeys. Many passengers heading to Krakow were rerouted via other airports in Poland, further complicating travel logistics.

Other Airports

Other cities across Europe, including Leeds Bradford, Birmingham, and Belfast, also felt the effects of the disruption. Leeds Bradford, for instance, saw 4 cancellations and 9 delays, while George Best Belfast City Airport recorded a mix of cancellations and delays affecting passengers trying to reach destinations across the UK and Europe. Though the numbers were smaller compared to major hubs, these airports still faced challenges managing the flow of passengers impacted by the ongoing delays.

How Airlines and Airports Are Responding

Airlines and airports are doing their best to manage the situation, though the scale of the disruptions has placed significant pressure on both parties. EasyJet, Lufthansa, and other affected carriers have already begun the process of offering affected passengers compensation and rebooking options. Many airlines are offering travel waivers and additional flights, while others are working with ground staff to expedite rebooking efforts.

Airports, too, are offering assistance in the form of meal vouchers, hotel accommodations, and other essential services for stranded passengers. Passengers are being advised to check their flight statuses regularly and to consider alternative transportation options if their flight has been delayed or cancelled.

The widespread flight delays and cancellations across Europe have underscored the vulnerability of the aviation industry to operational disruptions. While airports and airlines are working hard to manage the impact, thousands of passengers have found themselves stranded for hours, with no immediate relief in sight. As this situation unfolds, travelers are advised to stay informed and flexible in their travel plans to avoid further frustration.

Thousands of passengers were stranded across Europe as 1,176 flights were delayed and 52 cancelled, caused by severe weather, technical issues, and air traffic control challenges. This chaos affected major airlines like SAS Link, Lufthansa, Finnair, and easyJet at airports including Copenhagen, Heathrow, Dublin, Oslo, and Krakow.

With holiday travel season approaching, the aviation industry is facing immense pressure to get operations back on track. For now, many travelers will need patience as they navigate through the chaos created by yesterday’s disruptions.