Thousands of Travellers Grounded Across Europe as Norwegian, Finnair, Iberia, Vueling and More Airlines Face 71 New Cancellations and 772 Delays in Norway, Finland, Netherlands, Iceland at Oslo, Helsinki, Amsterdam, Reykjavik and Others

Published on December 1, 2025

Thousands of travelers have been left stranded across Europe as a series of widespread disruptions hit major airports. Norwegian, Finnair, Iberia, Vueling, and several other airlines are facing 71 cancellations and 772 delays across key countries including Norway, Finland, the Netherlands, and Iceland. Major cities like Oslo, Helsinki, Amsterdam, and Reykjavik are among the hardest hit, leaving passengers facing uncertain travel plans. This wave of disruptions has caused significant chaos at airports, with many flights delayed for hours or canceled altogether. As the situation unfolds, affected passengers are advised to stay informed and check with their airlines for updates.

Airlines are scrambling to manage the backlog, but with high volumes of delays and cancellations, relief may take time. For travelers in Oslo, Helsinki, Amsterdam, and Reykjavik, patience will be key as they navigate through the current travel turmoil.

Airports Affected by Cancellations and Delays

Major Airports Facing Delays and Cancellations

Airports in Europe have reported substantial numbers of delayed and cancelled flights over the past few weeks. Leading the list is Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) in France, which witnessed the highest number of delays, totaling 201. The airport also recorded 13 cancellations. Other major European airports with significant delays include Oslo Gardermoen Airport (OSL) in Norway, with 125 delays, and London Heathrow Airport (LHR) in the UK, where 85 flights were delayed. Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) and Madrid-Barajas (MAD) in Spain were also affected, with 95 and 90 delays, respectively. In total, the European airports listed experienced a combined total of 772 delays and 71 cancellations.

Airlines Affected by Delays and Cancellations

Airlines operating out of these airports have not been spared. Air France, based in France, recorded 14 cancellations and 97 delays, marking it as one of the most affected airlines. Other European carriers like British Airways (UK) and Norwegian Air Shuttle (Norway) also reported disruptions, with delays of 70 and 80, respectively, and cancellations of 5 and 3. Finnair and Iberia, both operating out of Finland and Spain, faced delays of 66 and 26, respectively. Other airlines, including Lufthansa (Germany), KLM (Netherlands), and Vueling Airlines (Spain), have also been significantly impacted.

Analysis of Affected Cities and Countries

France

France, home to the busy Charles de Gaulle Airport, has seen the highest number of disruptions. The country’s flagship carrier, Air France, has been significantly impacted by flight cancellations and delays. With 14 cancellations and 97 delays, France has borne a large portion of the disruptions, affecting travelers flying to and from Paris and other major cities.

UK

The UK also faces considerable disruptions. British Airways experienced 5 cancellations and 70 delays, affecting passengers flying out of London Heathrow (LHR), one of Europe’s busiest airports. The BA CityFlyer subsidiary also had minor delays, contributing further to the travel woes.

Norway

Norway’s Oslo Gardermoen Airport (OSL) was affected by 125 delays and 2 cancellations. The airline Norwegian Air Shuttle reported 3 cancellations and 80 delays. These disruptions have affected travelers heading to and from Oslo, leading to frustrations for both local and international passengers.

Spain

Spain saw disruptions primarily from Iberia and Vueling Airlines, both of which reported delays and cancellations. Iberia had 3 cancellations and 26 delays, while Vueling Airlines faced 1 cancellation and 61 delays. Madrid-Barajas (MAD) was also significantly impacted with 90 delays.

Iceland

Iceland, with airports like Reykjavik (RKV), Egilsstaðir (EGS), and Akureyri (AEY), was less affected compared to other European countries. However, Reykjavik still had 24 cancellations. Passengers traveling to and from Iceland, especially those flying out of Reykjavik, were impacted by these disruptions.

Germany, Netherlands, and Belgium

Germany’s Lufthansa reported 2 cancellations and 102 delays, while Frankfurt Airport was impacted by 89 delays. KLM, based in the Netherlands, and Brussels Airlines (Belgium) also experienced some delays, though the disruptions were relatively moderate in comparison to other countries.

What Affected Passengers Can Do Now

Immediate Steps to Take

For those affected by these disruptions, it’s crucial to stay updated on flight statuses. Passengers should frequently check the airline’s website or the airport’s information boards for the latest updates. Many airlines have updated their policies to accommodate affected travelers, offering options to rebook flights or request refunds in case of cancellations.

Contacting Airlines for Assistance

Airlines are typically offering alternative arrangements for passengers whose flights have been delayed or cancelled. Air France, British Airways, and other major carriers are providing support for rebooking. Passengers should reach out to the customer service department of their airline to explore options such as rerouting or rebooking on the next available flight.

Compensation for Delays and Cancellations

Passengers facing significant delays may be entitled to compensation, especially if their flights were delayed by more than three hours or cancelled without prior notice. The compensation process varies by airline, but affected passengers can inquire about reimbursement for meals, accommodation, and other related expenses. It’s advisable to keep all receipts and documentation of the delay for future claims.

Alternative Travel Plans

For those who cannot wait for the next available flight, train travel or other ground transportation options may be viable alternatives. Rail networks across Europe are extensive and can provide a quick way to reach key destinations if flights are unavailable. Additionally, if travelers are stuck at an airport, many airports now offer lounges, Wi-Fi, and charging stations to make the waiting time more bearable.

Conclusion

As Europe experiences widespread travel disruptions, it’s crucial for passengers to remain proactive and informed. With 71 total cancellations and 772 delays reported across major airlines and airports, travelers should expect further challenges in the coming days. By staying informed, being flexible with travel plans, and utilizing customer service resources, affected passengers can minimize the inconvenience caused by these disruptions.

Source: FlightAware and Affected Airports