UK, France, Germany, Netherlands and More Face Travel Havoc with 46 Cancellations and 433 Delays by KLM, easyJet, British Airways, Lufthansa, and More, Isolating Passengers in London, Brussels, Belfast, Frankfurt and Beyond!

Published on December 15, 2025

Europe’s air travel system is in turmoil as several major airlines, including KLM, easyJet, British Airways, and Lufthansa, face widespread disruptions. With 46 cancellations and 433 delays across multiple airports, travelers are struggling to make their way through key hubs like London Heathrow, Amsterdam Schiphol, Brussels, Belfast, and Frankfurt. As more flights are impacted by this chaotic situation, passengers are left wondering about the causes and how to cope with the delays

Total Cancellations and Delays Overview

The ongoing travel disruptions have affected travelers across Europe, with a total of 46 flight cancellations and 433 delays, especially at airports connected to major airlines. Here’s an overview of the flight cancellations and delays that have caused chaos for passengers:

KLM’s Cancellations and Delays: A Struggle for Connections

KLM has reported 10 cancellations and 42 delays, affecting several major European routes. Amsterdam Schiphol has seen the worst of the disruptions, with delayed and canceled flights to and from London, Paris, and Berlin. Passengers traveling to or through Schiphol are urged to check their flight status regularly and consider rebooking their flights through the airline’s app or website.

easyJet’s Major Travel Setback: Passengers Left Stranded

easyJet has been heavily impacted, with 20 cancellations and 253 delays, the highest number of disruptions reported across all airlines. Most of these delays are concentrated at London Gatwick and Manchester, causing a ripple effect throughout Europe. Passengers are experiencing long waits, especially for connections from airports like Brussels and Frankfurt, as the airline struggles to accommodate the high number of affected flights. easyJet advises passengers to check online for real-time updates and alternative flight options.

• Tip for easyJet passengers: Keep your mobile devices charged, and check the easyJet app frequently for updates to avoid missing any critical information.

Brussels Airlines: Fewer Cancellations but Still Impacted

Brussels Airlines, though less affected than others, has reported 4 cancellations and 16 delays. The disruptions mainly impacted flights between Brussels and cities like London, with passengers experiencing extended wait times. As Brussels is a key airport for travelers in Belgium, passengers are encouraged to stay up to date with the airline’s communications and be prepared for additional delays.

Air France: Navigating Through Disruptions

Air France has encountered 5 cancellations and 86 delays. The airline’s primary hub, Paris Charles de Gaulle, has faced long delays as heavy traffic in the region further complicates operations. Flights between Paris and the UK, as well as inter-European routes, are particularly affected.

British Airways: Operational Hiccups at London Heathrow

British Airways is not immune to the chaos, reporting 7 cancellations and 36 delays across its routes. The bulk of these disruptions occurred at London Heathrow, where multiple flights to destinations like Paris, Barcelona, and Frankfurt were delayed or canceled.

Breakdown of Cancellations and Delays Across Major Affected Airports

Here’s a detailed breakdown of cancellations and delays at some of the most impacted airports:

Major Affected Airports Analysis: Chaos Across Key Hubs

The flight disruptions across Europe have impacted several major airports, leaving travelers stuck in overcrowded terminals with little information on the status of their flights. The following airports are among the hardest hit:

• London Heathrow: As the largest airport in the UK and a primary hub for British Airways, Heathrow has witnessed severe delays and cancellations. The airport’s terminals are flooded with frustrated passengers, and it has been especially difficult for travelers to find available rebookings due to the high volume of affected flights.
• Amsterdam Schiphol: KLM’s home base, Schiphol, is also severely impacted by delays and cancellations. The airline’s long-haul and short-haul flights have been disrupted, causing long lines at check-in desks and baggage claim. Travelers heading to London, Paris, and Frankfurt have faced significant delays as air traffic control struggles to clear the backlog.
• Brussels Airport: The Brussels Airlines hub has reported fewer cancellations but still significant delays. Flights to London and Paris were particularly affected, and many passengers were forced to wait for several hours for updates. Brussels, typically a hub for European connections, is seeing a backlog of travelers trying to reschedule flights.
• Belfast Airport: Although Belfast is a smaller airport, it has not escaped the chaos. Passengers flying through Belfast have experienced delays, particularly those on easyJet and British Airways flights. The delays are most prevalent on flights to and from London and Manchester, with passengers reporting long waits for information.
• Frankfurt Airport: As one of Europe’s busiest airports, Frankfurt has seen its fair share of delays, particularly with Lufthansa flights. While easyJet and Air France have also been affected, the overall chaos has contributed to long waits and a backlog of travelers. With multiple international connections out of Frankfurt, the disruption has had a ripple effect on flights heading to Berlin, Paris, and London.

Causes of the Disruption: Weather, Technical Issues, and Staffing Shortages

The reasons behind these widespread cancellations and delays are multifaceted, with several factors contributing to the travel chaos:

• Weather conditions: Adverse weather, including fog and low visibility, has impacted air traffic control and led to delayed arrivals and departures, especially at London Heathrow and Paris Charles de Gaulle.
• Staffing shortages: The holiday rush has placed a strain on airlines, with crew shortages and operational challenges leading to delayed boarding and cancellations. The high demand during this period has overwhelmed ground staff, especially in busy hubs like Amsterdam Schiphol and Frankfurt.
• Technical issues: Aircraft malfunctions and unexpected maintenance requirements have caused delays in departing flights, further affecting airline schedules. These issues have been especially disruptive on older aircraft models and certain international flights.

Impact on Travelers: What You Need to Know

Passengers have been experiencing significant challenges due to these disruptions:

• Missed Connections: Many travelers with connecting flights have found themselves stranded in airports with limited options for rebooking. Long delays have caused a domino effect, preventing many from catching connecting flights.
• Additional Costs: For some, unexpected overnight stays in hotels and last-minute meal expenses have added to the stress. With limited hotel availability near major airports like London Heathrow, passengers have been forced to cover the additional costs themselves.
• Frustration and Stress: The emotional toll on travelers has been high, with many missing out on holiday gatherings or business meetings. The lack of timely communication from airlines has led to frustration and confusion at some of the busiest airports in Europe.

Advice for Affected Passengers: How to Navigate the Chaos

If you’re among the thousands of passengers affected by these disruptions, here’s how to manage the situation:

• Stay Informed: Constantly check your airline’s app or website for updates. Many airlines provide real-time information on flight statuses, cancellations, and delays.
• Know Your Rights: If your flight is delayed by more than 3 hours or canceled, you may be eligible for compensation under EU regulations. This could include reimbursement for accommodation, meals, and even financial compensation depending on the circumstances.
• Prepare for Delays: Bring essentials like snacks, chargers, and entertainment. With the extended delays at many airports, it’s important to be as comfortable as possible during long waits.
• Contact Your Airline: If you’ve been affected by a cancellation or long delay, contact the airline’s customer service to explore rebooking options. Some airlines are offering free rebooking and even hotel accommodations for stranded passengers.

Conclusion: What to Expect Moving Forward

The travel chaos affecting London Heathrow, Amsterdam Schiphol, Frankfurt, and other major airports has caused widespread frustration for passengers. With 46 cancellations and 433 delays, the impact on both short-term and long-term travel plans is significant. Passengers are encouraged to stay flexible, monitor flight statuses, and be aware of their rights during this turbulent time. As airlines work to resolve the situation, the effects of this disruption are expected to last well into the holiday season.

Source: Different airports and FlightAware