Germany, Netherlands, Turkey, UK, Poland, Spain and France Faces Travel Disruptions as London Heathrow, Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport, Frankfurt and others Delay 2,098 And Cancel 30 Flights Impacting easyJet, Brussels Airlines, Air Franc
Published on
December 31, 2025
Europe’s aviation industry is facing significant disruptions as multiple countries, including Germany, the Netherlands, Turkey, the UK, Poland, Spain, and France, experience widespread flight cancellations and delays. Major airports like London Heathrow, Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International, Frankfurt, and others have reported a total of 2,098 delayed flights and 30 cancellations, impacting top carriers such as easyJet, Brussels Airlines, and Air France. These delays and cancellations, which span across key European hubs like London, Frankfurt, and Amsterdam, have left thousands of travelers stranded or facing long wait times. As the holiday travel rush continues, passengers are grappling with increased frustration, with the holiday season’s peak traffic amplifying the effects on air travel operations. With many travelers now at risk of missing connections or experiencing extended waits, airports and airlines are struggling to manage the situation efficiently.
Cancellation and Delays by Airports
Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International (SAW)
Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International (SAW) has not been spared from the storm. With 3 cancellations and 5 delays, passengers traveling from this bustling airport have experienced significant disruptions, leading to increased stress for both outbound and inbound flights.
London Heathrow (LHR) Airport
London’s airports, vital hubs for international connections, have witnessed major operational hiccups. At London Heathrow (LHR), the situation was particularly dire, with a staggering 280 delayed flights and 1 cancellation. Travelers faced long waits, impacting not only holiday getaways but also business trips.
London City Airport (YXU)
London City Airport (YXU) saw 5 cancellations and 2 delays, further adding to the growing list of issues affecting passengers in the region. The combined disruptions across these airports have added to the strain on the city’s already challenged transportation infrastructure.
Frankfurt International (FRA) Airport
Germany’s Frankfurt International (FRA), one of Europe’s busiest airports, has seen 303 delays and 2 cancellations. These disruptions have raised concerns about the readiness of airport operations to cope with the surging post-holiday travel rush. With limited rebooking options available, many passengers are struggling to find suitable alternatives, leading to growing frustration among air travelers.
Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) Airport
Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS), 273 delays and 3 cancellations have added to the chaos, particularly as many flights were already facing scheduling issues due to weather conditions and increased passenger traffic. With holidaymakers trying to return home, the long delays have compounded the travel woes, creating a major inconvenience for travelers bound for European and international destinations.
Sheremetyevo International (SVO) Airport
Moscow’s Sheremetyevo International (SVO) also saw major disruptions, with 2 cancellations and an overwhelming 348 delays. The delays have been attributed to a combination of operational inefficiencies and adverse weather, leaving passengers stranded and struggling to navigate through the chaos.
Barcelona El Prat (BCN) Airport
While most European airports have faced delays, Barcelona El Prat (BCN) stood out with no cancellations, but still recorded 204 delays. The Spanish airport has become a lifeline for passengers trying to get home after the holiday season, though the long delays have tested the patience of many travelers.
Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG)
Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG), one of Europe’s busiest airports, has faced significant disruptions with 4 cancellations and 415 delays. These delays have heavily impacted travelers, particularly those trying to return home after the holiday season. With long queues and rescheduled flights, passengers are advised to stay updated on their flight statuses and expect possible delays.
Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD)
Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) has experienced significant travel disruptions, with 5 cancellations and 242 delays reported. These delays have caused a ripple effect, affecting travelers trying to return home or catch connecting flights. Passengers are facing long waiting times, with limited rebooking options available.
Modlin Airport (WMI)
Modlin Airport (WMI) also struggled, with 5 cancellations and 26 delays affecting travelers heading to various European destinations. The delays at this regional airport underscore how smaller hubs can also suffer from the ripple effects of air travel chaos, affecting travelers’ onward connections.
Some Affected Airlines Due to this Cancellation
easyJet
easyJet has experienced some disruptions, with 2 flight cancellations and 32 delays impacting travelers. These delays have caused inconvenience for passengers, particularly those with tight connections or holiday plans. While cancellations were minimal, the extended waiting times highlight ongoing challenges for low-cost carriers during busy travel periods.
Air France
Air France has reported 1 cancellation and 190 delays, impacting travelers as they return from holiday trips or embark on new journeys. The delays have led to frustration, with passengers facing extended wait times and potential disruptions to connecting flights. Travelers are urged to stay informed about their flight statuses and seek rebooking options where available.
Brussels Airlines
Brussels Airlines has reported minimal disruptions, with no cancellations and just 2 delays. This marks a smooth travel experience for most passengers flying through Brussels, especially in comparison to the widespread delays affecting other European airports. Travelers can expect relatively on-time departures, though it’s always recommended to check flight statuses for any last-minute changes.
Austrian Airlines
Austrian Airlines has reported minimal disruptions with no cancellations and just 5 delays. While the number of delays is relatively low, passengers should still be aware of potential slight schedule changes. With high travel demand during the holiday season, travelers flying with Austrian Airlines can expect smoother experiences compared to other carriers facing larger operational issues.
Lufthansa Cityline
Lufthansa Cityline has reported minimal disruptions, with no cancellations and 6 delays. While the delays have caused slight inconvenience for some passengers, the airline has managed to maintain a relatively smooth operation compared to other carriers.
Overall Cancellation in Europe
Flight cancellations have been a major issue for travelers across Europe, as several key airports face disruptions during the busy holiday season. Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) reported 4 cancellations, while Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) experienced 5, and Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International (SAW) saw 3. Other major European airports such as Frankfurt International (FRA) and Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) also dealt with multiple cancellations. These disruptions have been compounded by extensive delays, adding to the frustration of travelers trying to return home or catch connecting flights. Passengers are facing long waits, limited rebooking options, and overcrowded terminals, highlighting the vulnerability of the aviation system during peak travel times. Travelers are advised to check their flight statuses regularly and remain flexible as airports work to manage the surge in passenger numbers.
Advice for Passengers
- Stay Informed: Regularly check flight statuses via your airline’s website or app to stay updated on cancellations or delays.
- Contact Your Airline: Reach out to your airline’s customer service for rebooking options, compensation, or alternative flight arrangements.
- Be Flexible: Expect possible changes to your itinerary, and remain open to different flight times or routes.
- Consider Travel Insurance: If not already purchased, travel insurance can help mitigate costs related to cancellations or delays, such as accommodation and meals.
- Arrive Early: If rebooked on a later flight, arrive at the airport early to avoid missing any updates or last-minute changes.
Conclusion
As the chaos in European air travel continues, it remains unclear when operations will return to normal. The flight disruptions at major airports across Europe have significantly impacted thousands of passengers, causing widespread inconvenience. With cancellations and delays affecting prominent carriers like easyJet, Brussels Airlines, and Air France, travelers are urged to remain updated on their flight status and stay in close contact with their airlines for rebooking options. While airlines and airports work to clear the backlog, passengers should be prepared for continued delays, especially during peak travel periods. Travelers should also be aware of their rights and consider travel insurance to mitigate the financial burden of such disruptions. Despite the current challenges, the industry is working toward getting operations back on track, but patience remains key as affected airports and airlines manage the situation.
Source:- FlightAware and Different Airports
