Thousands of Travelers Stranded in Europe as Swiss, Finnair, HOP!, Lufthansa, KLM, and More Face 3,817 Delays and 115 Cancellations Across Finland, Switzerland, Germany, France, UK, and Beyond

Published on November 24, 2025

Thousands of travelers were stranded across Europe yesterday as Swiss, Finnair, HOP!, Lufthansa, KLM, and other major airlines cancelled 115 flights and delayed 3,817, causing widespread chaos from Finland to the UK. The massive disruptions were primarily due to a combination of severe winter weather, staffing shortages, and operational challenges at key airports, which left passengers facing long delays, cancellations, and overcrowded terminals. Major hubs like London Heathrow, Paris Charles de Gaulle, and Munich International became ground zero for the travel nightmare, affecting both domestic and international flights throughout Europe.

Europe’s bustling skies turned into a travel nightmare on yesterday, with 115 flights cancelled and 3,817 delayed across major airports. As winter storms and operational challenges rippled through the continent, travelers found themselves stranded or facing uncertain delays, exacerbating the already tense air travel situation.

Airlines such as Swiss, Finnair, HOP!, Lufthansa, KLM, and several other major carriers faced significant operational disruptions, leaving thousands of passengers facing unpredictable travel conditions. From France’s Charles de Gaulle to Germany’s Munich International, these cancellations and delays didn’t just impact specific airports, but entire regions. Major international hubs, including London Heathrow, Paris Charles de Gaulle, and Amsterdam Schiphol, were among the hardest hit. This article breaks down the key details behind the massive disruptions, how it unfolded across various regions, and what travelers can expect moving forward.

Europe’s Travel Chaos: A Snapshot of the Day’s Impact

Across the continent, travelers were met with cancelled flights, overcrowded terminals, and prolonged delays, affecting both domestic and international routes. The total number of cancellations on the day reached 115, with 3,817 delays disrupting air traffic. Airports from Scandinavia to Southern Europe experienced major challenges as a result of the widespread issues.

A deep dive into some of the affected airports and airlines provides a clearer picture of the magnitude of the chaos. Below is an overview of the key facts regarding both cancellations and delays at major airports.

Airport Breakdown:

Copenhagen Airport (CPH)

The Danish capital’s main airport saw minimal cancellations, but delays were pervasive. 1 cancellation was reported, amounting to 0% of all flights, but 54 delayed flights represented 11% of operations. Later in the day, 59 flights were delayed, marking 12% of flights in the same terminal.

Basle-Mulhouse Airport (EAP)

In the tri-national region of France, Switzerland, and Germany, 2 flights were cancelled (1% of all flights), and 11 flights faced delays, accounting for 10% of flights at this regional airport.

Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) – Paris

Paris’ busiest airport saw one of the highest percentages of delayed flights, with 258 delays representing a staggering 41% of flights. While cancellations were relatively low (1 cancellation, 0%), the delays affected passengers across Europe.

Frankfurt International Airport (FRA)

Germany’s largest airport also felt the impact, with 3 cancellations (0%) and 254 delayed flights (37%). Another report later in the day showed 4 cancellations (0%) and 167 delays (25%), significantly disrupting passenger flow.

Munich International Airport (MUC)

The Bavarian hub faced significant disruptions, reporting 3 cancellations (0%) and 151 delays (33%). Later in the day, another 4 cancellations (0%) and 115 delays (26%) further added to the turmoil.

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS)

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, a major European hub, faced considerable operational issues, as 16 cancellations (2%) and 283 delays (39%) were recorded. Another report listed 9 cancellations (1%) and 240 delays (35%).

London Heathrow Airport (LHR)

One of the busiest airports in the world, London Heathrow, wasn’t immune to the disruptions. The airport reported 10 cancellations (1%) and 179 delays (25%) in one round, and later saw 11 cancellations (1%) and 160 delays (23%), creating an incredibly stressful day for thousands of travelers.

Vilnius International Airport (VNO)

Lithuania’s primary international airport faced major cancellations, with 5 flights cancelled (7%) and 18 delayed flights (26%).

Airline Breakdown:

The airlines most impacted by the massive disruptions were primarily European carriers. Here’s how some of the major players fared:

Among the most heavily affected airlines, Air France and KLM had significant delays impacting over 300 flights each, while Lufthansa and British Airways saw hundreds of delays as well. The disruption was not just felt by the flagship carriers but extended to their regional branches such as Lufthansa Cityline, BA CityFlyer, and Swiss.

Why Did This Happen?

The chaos stemmed from a combination of factors. Weather conditions played a significant role, with winter storms sweeping across northern Europe, particularly affecting Scandinavian and German airspace. However, adverse weather wasn’t the sole cause. Airports struggled with limited resources due to heavy passenger traffic, which worsened as airlines attempted to rebook passengers or deal with stranded flights. Moreover, aviation personnel shortages, ongoing labor strikes, and system malfunctions in air traffic control added to the stress.

It’s important to note that the cancellations and delays weren’t isolated to one airline or country. The interconnected nature of European air travel meant that a disruption at one airport often cascaded, impacting multiple airlines and destinations.

Impacts on Passengers

The aftermath of these disruptions saw a mix of frustration and uncertainty. Thousands of passengers found themselves trapped at airports, unable to make their connections or forced into long delays without adequate support. In particular, the London Heathrow and Paris Charles de Gaulle airports faced overcrowded terminals as the airlines scrambled to rebook and accommodate affected travelers.

Thousands of travelers were stranded across Europe yesterday as Swiss, Finnair, HOP!, Lufthansa, KLM, and others cancelled 115 flights and delayed 3,817 due to severe weather, staffing shortages, and operational challenges at major airports. This led to widespread chaos, especially in key hubs like London Heathrow, Paris Charles de Gaulle, and Munich International.

For those looking to avoid the headaches of lengthy delays or cancellations, consider booking flights with more flexibility, tracking your flight in real-time, and keeping a close eye on airport updates.