Thousands of Travelers Sranded Across Europe with KLM, Swiss, SAS, Turkish and More Airlines Facing 58 Cancellations and 1,637 Delays, in Netherlands, UK, Turkey, Finland at Amsterdam, London, Istanbul, Helsinki and Others

Published on December 19, 2025

Thousands of travelers have been left stranded across Europe as severe weather continues to disrupt flights. Major airlines like KLM, Swiss, SAS, and Turkish Airlines are grappling with 58 cancellations and a staggering 1,637 delays, causing widespread chaos. Passengers in countries such as the Netherlands, United Kingdom, Turkey, and Finland are particularly affected. Major airports like Amsterdam, London, Istanbul, and Helsinki are seeing the worst of these disruptions. The storm, which brought heavy rain, strong coastal winds, and even snow, has created hazardous conditions across these regions, delaying travel plans for thousands. Many flights have been delayed or canceled, and travelers are now facing long waits for rebookings. Thousands of travelers are left uncertain about their next steps. As the weather continues to worsen, it’s clear that the situation will remain tense across Europe for the coming days.

Weather Conditions Impacting Travel in Europe

A storm front from the west has brought worsening weather to Spain, triggering orange and yellow weather warnings across multiple regions. Asturias, Cantabria, Galicia, and the Basque Country are under orange alerts for hazardous coastal conditions, while Castilla y León and Andalusia are facing yellow warnings due to snow and rain. These conditions are making travel across the country particularly challenging.

The national weather agency, Aemet, has reported that low-pressure systems will continue to cause instability through the weekend, bringing widespread rainfall and snow. Even areas at lower altitudes are experiencing snowfall, and temperatures are expected to drop to levels typical of mid-winter, exacerbating the situation.

Disruptions to Airports and Airlines

The severe weather is not only affecting road and rail travel but also causing widespread disruptions at airports across Europe. According to the latest data, the following airports have been hit by significant delays and cancellations:

• Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) – Netherlands: 15 cancellations and 273 delays
• London Heathrow (LHR) – United Kingdom: 8 cancellations and 275 delays
• Frankfurt International (FRA) – Germany: 5 cancellations and 297 delays
• Charles de Gaulle (CDG) – France: 11 cancellations and 301 delays
• Brussels (BRU) – Belgium: 4 cancellations and 105 delays
• Dusseldorf International (DUS) – Germany: 5 cancellations and 96 delays
• Geneva Cointrin (GVA) – Switzerland: 2 cancellations and 80 delays
• Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen (SAW) – Turkey: 4 cancellations and 133 delays

These disruptions are a result of the severe weather conditions, which have caused air traffic management issues, reduced visibility, and adverse conditions for aircraft operations.

Airlines Affected by Weather Disruptions

In addition to the airport disruptions, several major European airlines have also been significantly affected by the adverse weather conditions:

• KLM (Royal Dutch Airlines) – Netherlands: 12 cancellations and 130 delays
• Air France – France: 7 cancellations and 143 delays
• Finnair – Finland: 3 cancellations and 59 delays
• Swiss International Air Lines – Switzerland: 3 cancellations and 38 delays
• Brussels Airlines – Belgium: 2 cancellations and 58 delays
• SAS (Scandinavian Airlines) – Sweden/Denmark/Norway: 2 cancellations and 56 delays
• easyJet – United Kingdom: 1 cancellation and 527 delays
• Turkish Airlines – Turkey: 1 cancellation and 183 delays
• Lufthansa Cityline – Germany: 1 cancellation and 46 delays

The impact on these airlines is a direct result of the severe weather, which has affected flight schedules, with multiple cancellations and long delays, particularly in regions experiencing snow and rain.

What Passengers Can Do Now

For those affected by the delays and cancellations, it is essential to stay informed and follow these steps:

1. Check Flight Status: Travelers should regularly check their flight status online through their airline’s website or app. Most airlines are offering real-time updates on cancellations and delays due to the ongoing weather disruptions.
2. Rebooking and Refunds: Airlines are likely to offer rebooking options for passengers whose flights have been canceled. It is recommended to book an alternative flight or inquire about refund options if rebooking is not possible.
3. Stay in Touch with Airline Representatives: In case of prolonged delays, passengers should stay in contact with airline representatives to receive information about meal vouchers, hotel accommodations, or compensation, depending on the airline’s policies and the length of the delay.
4. Prepare for Ground Transportation Delays: If traveling by rail or road, delays and cancellations are also affecting these modes of transportation. Be prepared for possible service interruptions, especially in regions with heavy snowfall.

Total Delays and Cancellations Across Europe

Based on the data, the total number of cancellations and delays affecting Europe’s major airports and airlines is as follows:

• Total Cancellations: 58
• Total Delays: 1,637

These disruptions are a clear indication of the impact of severe weather conditions on European travel, affecting both major international airports and regional flights.

Conclusion

Travelers in Europe this weekend are facing significant challenges due to severe weather, which is causing widespread disruptions in air, rail, and road transport. With widespread rainfall, coastal winds, and snowfall at lower elevations, it’s essential for passengers to stay informed, check for real-time updates, and be prepared for possible delays or cancellations. Passengers should also consider reaching out to airlines for assistance with rebooking or compensation options. As the storm front continues to move across the continent, further disruptions are expected in the coming days.

Source: FlightAware and Affected Airlines