Big Freeze Creates Travel Havoc Across Western Europe

Thu Jan 08 2026 22:05:41 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Severe winter weather wreaks havoc across airports and rail services, prompting cancellations and fatalities as heavy snow and ice envelop regions.

A severe freeze has led to significant transport disruptions across western Europe, with major airports like Schiphol witnessing over 700 flight cancellations. Eurostar services also experienced delays, while the conditions have resulted in at least six fatalities. The intense cold has strained resources, leading to warnings about further cancellations and a chaotic travel environment across the continent.

A spell of freezing weather bringing heavy snowfall and ice has caused transport disruption across western Europe.

Hundreds of flights have been cancelled at several airports, while Eurostar services and haulage have also been affected.

More than 700 flights were cancelled at Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam, a major regional transport hub, on Wednesday. Meanwhile, France's civil aviation authority has asked airlines to cut 40% of flights scheduled for the main international airport in Paris.

At least six people have died in weather-related incidents across Europe this week - five in France and one in Bosnia.

Dutch national airline KLM warned Schiphol Airport was close to running out of de-icing fluid after days of freezing conditions. A few hundred beds have been set up at the airport for stranded travelers, while food and drinks are being provided.

In Paris, more than 100 flights were cancelled at Charles de Gaulle airport and 40 at Orly, as dozens of flights faced cancellations or delays at Heathrow and Brussels. Some Eurostar rail services between London and Paris were also affected.

Almost half of mainland France was on alert for heavy snow and black ice, with lorries banned from the roads in some areas.

Despite the chaos, residents and tourists took to the snow-covered streets of Paris to enjoy the unique sight. One resident remarked on the beauty of the snowfall while facing the challenging weather conditions.