Thousands of Passengers Stranded in Europe as Lufthansa, SAS, Norwegian, Finnair and More Airlines Hit by 100 Cancellations and 1,380 Delays Across Denmark, UK, Sweden, Norway, Romania and Beyond at Copenhagen, London, Stockholm, Tromso, Bucharest and Others

Published on November 21, 2025

Thousands of passengers are facing severe travel disruptions across Europe as Lufthansa, SAS, Norwegian, Finnair, and several other airlines deal with significant cancellations and delays. With 100 cancellations and a staggering 1,380 delays reported, affected passengers are stranded at major airports throughout the continent. Cold weather has been identified as the primary cause, leading to operational challenges at key hubs in Denmark, UK, Sweden, Norway, Romania, and beyond. Airports like Copenhagen, London, Stockholm, Tromso, Bucharest, and many others are struggling to manage the chaos. Cancellations are frequent, and delays are long, leaving travelers frustrated and uncertain.

Passengers are urged to stay updated on their flight statuses and understand their rights under EU regulations. This ongoing disruption, fueled by the harsh winter conditions, serves as a stark reminder of how quickly cold weather can impact air travel, making it crucial to remain informed during such crises.

Total Cancellations and Delays in European Air Travel

Across various airports and airlines in Europe, passengers are feeling the brunt of these travel disruptions. A total of 100 flight cancellations have been reported, coupled with 1,384 delays, causing substantial chaos for travelers. Airports and airlines are struggling to handle the high volume of affected flights, with passengers facing long wait times, missed connections, and unclear communications from airlines.

Airports Affected by Cancellations and Delays

Here’s a snapshot of the airports with the highest number of cancellations and delays:

• Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) in the Netherlands has seen 7 cancellations and a staggering 227 delays, making it one of the busiest airports in Europe for disruptions.
• Copenhagen (CPH) in Denmark has also faced severe delays, with 31 cancellations and 194 delays affecting many international and domestic flights.
• London Heathrow (LHR), one of the busiest airports globally, has had 4 cancellations and 180 delays, affecting passengers traveling to and from the UK.
• Istanbul Airport (IST) in Turkey, with 6 cancellations and 143 delays, continues to experience significant disruptions despite its efforts to manage the situation.

Other affected airports include Berlin-Brandenburg (BER) in Germany with 7 cancellations and 97 delays, and Stockholm-Arlanda (ARN) in Sweden, which reported 8 cancellations and 95 delays. Smaller airports such as Bergen (BGO) and Stavanger (SVG) in Norway have also faced significant disruptions.

Airlines Affected by Cancellations and Delays

Airlines across Europe have not escaped these disruptions, with numerous cancellations and delays being reported:

• British Airways has experienced 4 cancellations and 112 delays, primarily affecting UK-based passengers.
• Air France followed closely with 3 cancellations and 111 delays, impacting travelers throughout France and its international connections.
• KLM, based in the Netherlands, reported 7 cancellations and 130 delays, contributing to the already strained Schiphol Airport.
• SAS, operating in Sweden, Denmark, and Norway, had the highest number of cancellations with 10 cancellations and 102 delays. Other airlines affected by these delays include Norwegian Air Sweden (8 cancellations, 82 delays) and Finnair (4 cancellations, 61 delays).

Countries Most Affected by Disruptions

The travel disruptions are spread across several key European countries, including the UK, Netherlands, France, Germany, Sweden, and Norway.

• The UK has seen multiple disruptions at London Heathrow (LHR), impacting both domestic and international travel. Passengers heading to and from London faced delays that contributed to the overall chaos in European air travel.
• Sweden and Norway are particularly impacted by the high number of cancellations and delays from SAS, which serves multiple Scandinavian cities. Airports like Stockholm-Arlanda (ARN) and Bergen (BGO) have been key hubs of concern in the region.
• The Netherlands and France have seen their share of travel disruptions at major airports like Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) and Paris Charles de Gaulle, with significant delays reported for international flights.

What Can Affected Passengers Do Now?

If you are a passenger affected by these disruptions, there are several steps you can take to manage the situation:

1. Stay Informed:

• Always stay updated on the status of your flight through your airline’s official app or website. Many airlines offer real-time information on cancellations and delays.
• Check the flight status before heading to the airport to avoid wasted time. Also, consider setting up notifications from the airport and airline for last-minute updates.

2. Rebook or Reschedule:

• If your flight has been canceled, contact the airline immediately to discuss your options for rebooking or receiving compensation. Many airlines will offer rebooking options free of charge, but availability may be limited.
• In cases of long delays, you may be able to request compensation for food, accommodations, and transportation.

3. Know Your Rights:

• Passengers are entitled to compensation for delayed or canceled flights in certain circumstances under European Union regulations (EU261). If your flight is delayed for more than 3 hours or canceled, you may be eligible for financial compensation.
• Make sure to document all communications with the airline, including receipts for any expenses incurred due to the delay or cancellation.

4. Alternative Routes:

• In case of extended delays, look for alternate flights or routes that could get you to your destination faster. Booking with different airlines or at different airports could provide relief in the case of prolonged disruptions.

Conclusion

The ongoing disruptions across major European airports and airlines have left many passengers struggling with cancellations and delays. With 100 cancellations and 1,384 delays reported across airports like Amsterdam Schiphol, London Heathrow, and Copenhagen, it is clear that European air travel has been heavily affected. Passengers are encouraged to stay updated, rebook as soon as possible, and know their rights regarding compensation. As the travel season continues, it is essential for passengers to be proactive in managing their travel plans and remain patient as airports and airlines work to resolve these ongoing issues.

Source: FlightAware and Affected Airports