In brief
Severe freezing weather is wreaking havoc throughout western Europe, leading to the cancellation of hundreds of flights, particularly at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport and Paris's Charles de Gaulle Airport. At least six fatalities have been reported due to weather-related incidents, urging travelers to remain vigilant. The situation is compounded by warnings of further complications in transport services and extreme travel conditions.
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 in the airport with food and drinks provided for stranded travelers. The situation is seen as exceptional by the airline's spokesperson.
In Paris, more than 100 flights were cancelled at Charles de Gaulle airport and 40 more at Orly. The impact extended to Heathrow and Brussels, where several flights were either delayed or grounded.
Eurostar rail services between London and Paris were also affected with delays reported. Almost half of mainland France remained on alert for heavy snow and black ice, with some areas banning lorries from the roads.
Five people died due to hazardous driving conditions in France, while a woman lost her life in action during heavy snowfall in Bosnia's capital Sarajevo.
The recent snow has transformed Paris into a picturesque scene drawing residents and tourists to ski down the slopes of Montmartre, adding a whimsical charm amidst the chaos.
