Severe Weather Disrupts Travel Across Europe: A Look at the Impact

Thu Jan 08 2026 23:51:25 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

An unprecedented cold snap brings heavy snow and travel chaos to western Europe, leading to widespread flight cancellations and tragic fatalities.

Western Europe is grappling with severe winter conditions, resulting in hundreds of flight cancellations and dangerous road conditions. Major airports like Amsterdam's Schiphol and Paris's Charles de Gaulle are significantly impacted, with at least six deaths reported due to the weather. Local authorities are mobilizing to assist stranded travelers amidst this crisis.

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, with five fatalities 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. Spokesperson Stephan Donker described the situation as exceptional, indicating that more than 1,000 travelers spent the night at the airport, with makeshift beds and meals provided.

In Paris, over 100 flights were grounded at Charles de Gaulle airport and additional cancellations occurred at Orly. Heathrow and Brussels also faced significant delays and cancellations.

Eurostar services between London and Paris experienced disruptions. Almost half of mainland France was under alert for heavy snow and black ice, prompting road bans for lorries in certain regions.

Tragic incidents included the deaths of five individuals in France, attributed to hazardous driving, and one woman in Sarajevo after severe snowfall. Among the impacted is Boubacar Camara, a 19-year-old living in a tent in Paris, who expressed the harsh reality of enduring the cold.

Despite the challenges, the unusual sight of snow in the French capital attracted residents and tourists, with some taking to the slopes of Montmartre and the gardens by the Eiffel Tower to enjoy the snow. It's exceptional, it's incredible, commented local Pierre, highlighting a sense of wonder amidst the chaos.