Travel Turmoil Hits Europe as easyJet, Norwegian Air Shuttle, Brussels, Finnair and Other Airlines in Norway, Finland, Denmark, Ireland, Poland Experience 46 Cancellations and 847 Delays Amid Drone Sightings across London, Paris, Oslo, Copenhagen, Helsinki, Krakow and More

Published on December 8, 2025

Travel disruptions have caused widespread chaos across Europe as easyJet, Norwegian Air Shuttle, Brussels Airlines, Finnair, and other major carriers face severe delays and cancellations. These disruptions have heavily impacted airports in Norway, Finland, Denmark, Ireland, Poland, and key cities like London, Paris, Oslo, Copenhagen, Helsinki, Krakow, and more. The situation has escalated following drone sightings, which have triggered flight diversions and operational halts at several airports. In total, 46 cancellations and 847 delays have left travelers stranded, with some facing hours of uncertainty at major hubs.

Passengers flying from these cities are experiencing significant disruptions, with many uncertain about when they will be able to board their rescheduled flights. easyJet, Norwegian Air Shuttle, and others are struggling to accommodate affected passengers as operations continue to face setbacks.

Reason for Disruptions

Flights at Brussels Airport and Liège Airport were abruptly suspended after multiple sightings of unauthorised drones around the airfields.

The first sighting occurred around 8 p.m. local time near Brussels, triggering an immediate closure of the airport. Although operations briefly resumed, a second drone sighting forced authorities to shut down arrivals and departures again.

Liège — a major cargo and passenger hub — was also closed when drones were detected there.

Officials in Belgium described the incidents as deliberate and professionally orchestrated, possibly part of a broader campaign to destabilise critical infrastructure.

While flights eventually resumed, authorities warned that disruption for travellers would continue as investigations and heightened air‑space surveillance remain underway.

Total Delays and Cancellations Across Europe

Across multiple European airports, 46 cancellations and 847 delays have been recorded, leaving thousands of passengers stranded or forced to adjust their travel schedules. Airports like London Heathrow (LHR), Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG), and Dublin International (DUB) have seen some of the worst disruptions. These delays and cancellations have been felt throughout the continent, particularly in major hubs, affecting both regional and international flights.

Airlines Facing Significant Disruptions

European carriers are also facing heavy delays and cancellations. easyJet leads the way with 5 cancellations and 255 delays. Air France follows closely behind with 5 cancellations and 108 delays, while British Airways experiences 2 cancellations and 114 delays. Other airlines like Finnair, Norwegian Air Shuttle, and Brussels Airlines have also reported multiple disruptions, adding to the mounting frustrations among travelers.

Major Airports and Airlines Affected

The impact of these disruptions spans multiple countries and cities. In the UK, London Heathrow (LHR) and Birmingham International (BHX) have seen significant delays, affecting travelers flying from the UK to destinations across Europe. Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Paris Orly (ORY) are also major hubs where travelers have been heavily impacted, with a combined total of 15 cancellations and 467 delays.

Airports in Scandinavia, such as Copenhagen (CPH), Oslo Gardermoen (OSL), and Helsinki-Vantaa (HEL), are also feeling the effects, with 4 cancellations and 152 delays combined. Smaller airports like Krakow International (KRK) and George Best Belfast City (BHD) have also faced disruptions, highlighting that no part of Europe is untouched by the widespread travel issues.

What Affected Passengers Can Do Now

For passengers facing delays or cancellations, the first thing to do is stay in touch with your airline. Many airlines are offering rebooking options or full refunds. In the case of cancellations, airlines like easyJet, Air France, and British Airways are providing alternative flight options, but be prepared for a longer waiting period.

If you are traveling on an affected airline, check their website or mobile app for updates on your flight status. You can also contact customer service to inquire about rebooking or compensation options. Many airlines are required to provide meals and accommodation for extended delays, especially if the delay is over 3 hours.

For travelers at the affected airports, it’s advisable to arrive early to check for any updates on their flight status. Also, keep an eye on the weather and any potential strikes or operational issues that may further impact your travel plans.

The Aftermath and Possible Solutions

This situation highlights the vulnerability of European air travel infrastructure, particularly during peak travel times. While airlines and airports are doing their best to manage the situation, the ongoing issues reflect a deeper need for investment in both operational capacity and contingency planning to reduce the chances of such widespread disruption in the future.

In the meantime, passengers should expect delays and cancellations to continue in the short term. Travelers should stay updated with their airlines’ communication channels, pack essentials in case of longer delays, and stay flexible with their plans to avoid further frustration.

Source: FlightAware and Affected Airlines