Why Did Schiphol Cancel Over 3,200 Flights During Europe's Winter Storm?

January 10, 2026 at 06:27 PM•2 min read

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) cancelled over 3,200 flights in a week due to a fierce winter storm, creating a de-icing bottleneck and widespread European network chaos.

Key Points

1Over 3,200 flights were cancelled at Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) in the first week of January 2026 due to severe winter weather, according to Flightradar24 data.
2The primary cause of the chaos was a critical de-icing bottleneck, exacerbated by a temporary shortage of de-icing fluid for Dutch carrier KLM.
3The disruption created a Europe-wide ripple effect, with Eurocontrol warning that up to 70% of scheduled flights could be affected on the worst days.
4At its peak, roughly 60% of all scheduled flights were cancelled, severely testing the airport's operational resilience.

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) faced an unprecedented crisis. Over 3,200 flights were cancelled in the first week of January. This massive disruption followed days of severe winter weather. Heavy snow, ice, and strong winds hammered the busy European hub. The event caused widespread Amsterdam Schiphol flight cancellations and operational chaos.

The De-Icing Bottleneck and Operational Challenges

The core issue was persistent, heavy snowfall. This weather reduced runway capacity significantly. Aircraft required extensive de-icing before departure. The airport's de-icing infrastructure quickly became a critical bottleneck.

Dutch flagship carrier KLM was severely impacted. The airline was forced to cancel hundreds of flights daily. At one point, KLM warned its de-icing fluid supply was running low. This shortage exacerbated the already challenging situation. Emergency supplies were eventually sourced from Germany.

Capacity Reduction and Safety

Safety remains the top priority in aviation. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) mandates clear wings. Ice on wings disrupts airflow and is extremely dangerous. De-icing procedures take between 10 and 30 minutes per aircraft. This necessary process dramatically reduced the airport's throughput. At its worst, roughly 60% of scheduled flights were cancelled.

European Aviation Network Disruption

The European aviation network is highly interconnected. Disruption at a major hub like Schiphol creates a domino effect. This ripple effect was felt across the continent. Airports in the UK and Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) saw knock-on cancellations.

The European air traffic management center, Eurocontrol, issued warnings. They cautioned that up to 70% of flights could be scrapped on peak days. This highlights the vulnerability of the system. Air traffic management Europe must adapt to extreme weather. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) stresses operational resilience. The organization advocates for improved winter preparedness.

Impact on Passengers and Industry Outlook

Thousands of passengers were left stranded. Many travelers faced multi-day delays and missed connections. Airlines struggled to rebook passengers quickly. KLM advised travelers not to come to the airport. This event serves as a stark reminder. Airline operational resilience is crucial during severe weather. It also raises questions about airport investment. Specifically, the number and location of de-icing facilities. The industry must review its winter operations protocols. This will help mitigate future winter storm disruption and chaos. For more insights on this and other industry events, visit our latest commercial aviation news.