Thousands of Travellers Affected across Europe as Air France, KLM, easyJet, Lufthansa, Vueling and More Airlines Face 277 Cancellations and 3,987 Delays in France, UK, Germany, Netherlands, Ireland at Paris, Belfast, Amsterdam, Dublin and Beyond

Published on December 6, 2025

Thousands of travelers across Europe are facing significant disruptions as Air France, KLM, easyJet, British Airways, Lufthansa, Vueling, and more airlines deal with 277 cancellations and 3,987 delays. These disruptions are affecting major countries including France, the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, and Ireland, particularly at key airports like Paris, Belfast, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Dublin, and beyond. The travel chaos is primarily due to adverse weather conditions, operational challenges, and drone incursions over sensitive airspace, including military sites and airports. Air France and easyJet are among the worst affected, with hundreds of passengers unable to board their scheduled flights. KLM, Lufthansa, and British Airways are also facing similar delays, frustrating travelers during one of the busiest travel seasons. Airports in France, the UK, Germany, and the Netherlands are grappling with the impact, creating a tense situation for passengers trying to reach their destinations.

Key Affected Airports and Their Impact on Passengers

Air travel across Europe is being severely disrupted, with hundreds of flights canceled and delayed. As the holiday season approaches, air traffic is becoming even more strained. Key airports have been hit particularly hard, forcing travelers to scramble for alternative arrangements.

• Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), France: The French hub has witnessed 73 cancellations and a staggering 652 delays. The scale of the delays reflects a combination of factors, including drone activities and weather-related issues that have hampered operations.
• Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS), Netherlands: Schiphol has faced 52 cancellations and 598 delays, affecting both domestic and international travelers. Drone incursions have contributed to the delays, with several flights delayed due to security concerns.
• London Heathrow (LHR), United Kingdom: With only 11 cancellations, Heathrow has fared better in terms of cancellations, but the 228 delays have caused significant disruption to travelers heading to and from Europe.
• Frankfurt International (FRA), Germany: Frankfurt has experienced 8 cancellations and 275 delays, a considerable number, as drone activities and operational bottlenecks cause delays in air traffic flow.
• Other European Airports: Airports such as Manchester (MAN), Barcelona International (BCN), Dublin International (DUB), and Zurich (ZRH) have seen significant delays and cancellations, further exacerbating the situation for both local and international travelers.

Analysis of Affected Airports, Cities, and Countries of Europe

The latest data paints a picture of widespread disruption across Europe, with the most affected countries being France, the United Kingdom, Germany, and the Netherlands. In particular, France has seen high numbers of cancellations and delays, with Charles de Gaulle and Paris Orly airports being the hardest hit.

The United Kingdom has also faced severe disruptions, particularly at London Heathrow and Manchester, where over 100 delays and 27 cancellations were reported. Germany, particularly Frankfurt, has seen 283 delays and 10 cancellations, while the Netherlands, Spain, and Ireland have also felt the impact, with Amsterdam Schiphol, Barcelona International, and Dublin International all recording cancellations and delays.

Overall, European airports reported a total of 277 cancellations and 3,987 delays, significantly affecting travelers across the continent.

The Impact of Drone Disruptions

In addition to operational bottlenecks and weather delays, the rise in drone incidents has become a major cause for concern at European airports. Drones flying over sensitive infrastructure, such as military bases and airports, have led to security concerns and forced authorities to suspend operations temporarily.

France and Ireland have been particularly impacted by drone incursions in recent weeks. A drone flew over the Ile Longue base, a site housing France’s nuclear submarines, resulting in heightened security alerts and a response from the French military. Similarly, Ireland experienced drone breaches during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s visit in early December, with large, military-grade drones flying over sensitive areas near Dublin Airport. These incidents are being treated as hybrid warfare tactics, suspected to be part of Russia’s ongoing operations as part of its invasion of Ukraine.

Drone incursions have led to delays and cancellations as authorities scramble to secure airspace and ensure safety. Passengers at several affected airports, including Amsterdam Schiphol and London Heathrow, have experienced delays due to heightened security measures and the need to intercept or disable drones. As drones become more frequently spotted near military sites and civilian airports, the risk of further disruptions grows.

What Affected Passengers Can Do Now

If you’re among the passengers affected by these disruptions, here are a few steps you can take to manage the situation:

• Stay Updated: Keep a close eye on your flight status via the airline’s website or app. Many airlines offer real-time flight tracking to help you stay informed about cancellations or delays.
• Contact the Airline: If your flight is canceled, get in touch with your airline to explore alternative arrangements. Some airlines may offer rebooking or compensation options.
• Know Your Rights: Under EU regulations, you may be entitled to compensation if your flight is delayed by more than 3 hours or canceled. Be sure to document all receipts and keep records of your communications.
• Seek Compensation for Delays and Cancellations: If you’ve experienced a long delay or cancellation, ask your airline about meal vouchers, accommodation, or transportation arrangements, which they are often required to provide.
• Monitor Drone Incursions: If you’re flying in or out of areas known to have drone disruptions, like Paris, London, or Dublin, be aware of possible delays. Check if your airport is facing any drone-related issues and plan accordingly.

Moving Forward: The Growing Threat of Drone Incursions across Europe

As drones become a more frequent and sophisticated tool in hybrid warfare and civil disruption, airports across Europe must strengthen their security measures. The growing number of drone incursions is highlighting the need for advanced countermeasures to detect, disable, and neutralize drones before they disrupt critical operations. Travelers are encouraged to stay alert, monitor their flights, and be prepared for any delays or cancellations as these new security challenges unfold.

With the holiday season approaching, the situation is expected to worsen, with increased air traffic adding to the existing strain on airport operations. However, with proactive planning, passengers can minimize the inconvenience caused by these disruptions.

Source: FlightAware, CBS, Guardian