Thousands of Passengers Stranded in Europe as Denmark, Norway, France, Italy, Portugal Cancel 129 Flights and Delay 2,115 More Affecting SAS, easyJet, Lufthansa, Finnair and More Airlines at Copenhagen, Oslo, Paris, Milan, Madeira and Others

Published on February 28, 2026

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Thousands of passengers are stranded across Europe as a combination of weather disruptions, strikes, and operational delays has caused 129 flight cancellations and 2,115 delays. Denmark, Norway, France, Italy, and Portugal are among the hardest-hit countries, where travelers are facing significant chaos at key airports, including Copenhagen, Oslo, Paris, Milan, Madeira, and others. SAS, easyJet, Lufthansa, Finnair, and several other airlines are struggling to maintain schedules, with passengers queued for rebooking or seeking alternative routes. As delays mount, travelers are urged to stay informed through airline apps and airport websites.

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The disruptions have left many frustrated, especially in major cities like Paris, Milan, and Oslo, where flight operations have been significantly impacted. These ongoing delays are expected to stretch well into the coming days, causing widespread inconvenience for thousands of affected passengers.

Travel Chaos

Overview of Travel Disruptions in Europe

In total, there have been 129 flight cancellations and a staggering 2,115 delays across various European airports. A number of high-profile airlines, including SAS, easyJet, Finnair, Air France, and Lufthansa, have been among the hardest hit, with several flights cancelled and delayed throughout the day. Passengers traveling through Paris, Milan, Oslo, Barcelona, and London are facing the greatest impact, as these airports report a high number of delays and cancellations.

Airports, Cities, and Airlines Affected

Airports Impacted by Cancellations and Delays

A total of 20 airports across Europe are experiencing disruptions. Among the worst affected are:

• Oslo Gardermoen (OSL): 20 cancellations and 103 delays, causing major traffic congestion.
• Copenhagen (CPH): 23 cancellations and 97 delays, leading to significant backlogs for travelers.
• Barcelona International (BCN): 6 cancellations and a high 248 delays, causing widespread inconvenience.
• Madeira International (FNC): 11 cancellations and 15 delays, particularly impacting flights to and from Lisbon.
• London Heathrow (LHR): 4 cancellations and 143 delays, with ripple effects throughout the UK.
• Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen (SAW): 4 cancellations and 100 delays, affecting both domestic and international flights.

Other significant hubs affected include Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG), Milan Malpensa (MXP), and Zurich (ZRH), which are all experiencing a mix of flight delays and cancellations.

Airlines Facing Operational Strain

The following airlines have been heavily impacted by the disruptions:

• SAS: 35 cancellations and 60 delays, causing widespread issues for passengers traveling in Scandinavia and beyond.
• easyJet: 10 cancellations and a massive 242 delays, particularly affecting Northern Italy routes.
• Finnair: 5 cancellations and 99 delays, primarily affecting services between Oslo and Nordic destinations.
• Pegasus Airlines: 5 cancellations and 56 delays, primarily on Turkish routes to major European destinations.
• Air France: 3 cancellations and 69 delays, with a focus on regional services from Paris.
• Lufthansa: Impacted by weather challenges, Lufthansa has had to cancel services to Paris and Northern Italy to maintain aircraft availability for long-haul flights.

Analysis of Affected Passengers, Cities, and Countries

The disruptions span across several key European cities and countries, affecting travelers in Norway, Denmark, Spain, the UK, France, Italy, and Turkey. The hardest-hit regions include Scandinavia, where SAS and Finnair have reported high numbers of delays and cancellations due to staff shortages and weather issues. Similarly, easyJet has faced a significant impact on flights into northern Italy, where strikes and adverse weather conditions have compounded delays.

What Affected Passengers Can Do Now

If you’re one of the affected passengers, here’s what you can do:

1. Check for Updates

Passengers are advised to check flight statuses frequently via airline apps and airport websites to stay informed about cancellations or further delays. Many airlines are offering real-time updates through social media channels, so make sure to follow your airline’s official social media accounts for the latest information.

2. Rebooking Options

For travelers whose flights have been cancelled, rebooking options are available, though they may be limited. Airlines are prioritizing affected passengers and rebooking them on alternate routes. In some cases, flights with longer layovers or those that involve additional stops may be available.

3. Refunds and Vouchers

Some passengers are opting to abandon their trips entirely in favor of refunds or travel vouchers, especially if same-day alternatives are no longer available. Airlines are also offering travel vouchers as compensation for the disruptions, which passengers can use on future flights.

4. Alternative Transport

With overland transportation, including rail and bus services, being stretched to capacity, passengers should consider exploring train or coach alternatives where available. However, it’s important to note that adverse weather, such as icy conditions, is limiting overland travel in parts of France and northern Italy, further complicating passengers’ travel plans.

In Summary: Ongoing Chaos for Europe’s Travelers

The ongoing flight cancellations and delays in Europe are a result of several converging factors, including weather disturbances, staffing issues, and strikes. Passengers traveling through affected airports in Paris, Milan, Oslo, and Barcelona are advised to stay flexible, keep checking updates, and be prepared for potential rebooking challenges.

While 129 cancellations and 2,115 delays have already caused a ripple effect, passengers can minimize the disruption by following airline advice, staying informed, and planning for longer travel times due to the congestion and reduced flight capacity.

Source: FlightAware