KLM, Air France, Delta Face Chaos: Why Did 366 Flights Cancel Across Europe?

January 5, 2026 at 12:27 PM•2 min read

KLM, Emirates, and Delta faced 366 cancellations and 491 delays at Amsterdam Schiphol and other major European hubs due to severe winter weather and operational strain.

Key Points

1366 flights were canceled and 491 were delayed across major European hubs.
2Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) was the epicenter, with KLM accounting for the largest share of grounded flights.
3Severe winter weather, including persistent snowstorms and icy conditions, was the primary cause of the operational chaos.
4Airlines like KLM, Air France, Emirates, Delta, and easyJet faced significant operational strain and passenger backlogs.

The European aviation network faced significant operational strain. Thousands of passengers were stranded across the continent. This chaos was caused by widespread flight cancellations and delays. The disruption centered on key hubs like Amsterdam and Paris. KLM and other major airlines were heavily impacted.

Operational Fallout at Schiphol

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) was the epicenter of the disruption. The airport reported a total of 366 cancellations. An additional 491 flights faced significant delays. This marked one of the heaviest disruption days of the period. The Dutch flag carrier KLM accounted for the largest share of grounded flights. KLM's hub dominance at Schiphol made it especially vulnerable. The airline had to cancel over 1,120 flights since January 2.

Network-Wide Strain

Operational issues quickly rippled across the European network. Major carriers like Air France, Emirates, Delta Air Lines, and easyJet saw services affected. Other airlines, including Lufthansa and British Airways, also reported disruptions. Connected cities felt the strain immediately. Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) saw inbound and outbound flights delayed. Frankfurt (FRA) and Zurich (ZRH) also recorded notable disruption. Prague Václav Havel Airport (PRG) faced cancellations and delays as well. Long-haul and US-linked services were impacted simultaneously. This extended the disruption far beyond Europe's borders.

Contributing Factors and Industry Challenges

The primary cause of the widespread chaos was severe winter weather. Persistent snowstorms, heavy rainfall, and icy conditions crippled airport operations. Airports struggled with de-icing and reduced visibility. This significantly slowed down the movement of aircraft. Secondary factors exacerbated the problem. Staffing constraints and air traffic control (ATC) flow restrictions contributed to the delays. The post-holiday travel rush also overwhelmed terminals and staff.

Passenger Rights and Future Resilience

Stranded passengers face long waits and rebooking challenges. Under EU Regulation 261/2004, airlines must provide care and assistance. This includes meals and accommodation when necessary. However, severe weather is often classified as an "extraordinary circumstance." This classification can limit a passenger's right to financial compensation. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) oversees safety and operational standards. This event highlights the need for greater operational resilience against weather events. Airlines must also manage crew and aircraft rotation effectively. The industry continues to face challenges in maintaining tight schedules. Stakeholders must improve contingency planning for future severe weather events. Stay updated on commercial aviation news at https://flying.flights.