Arctic cold paralyzes transport in Europe: mass flight cancellations and traffic disruptions

Europe has been hit by a wave of Arctic cold, leading to transport chaos, accidents, and power outages. Find out which countries have canceled flights, where traffic has been restricted, and how the bad weather is affecting travel in Europe

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Europe has been hit by a wave of Arctic air, bringing a sharp drop in temperatures, heavy snowfall, and icy roads. The bad weather caused serious disruptions to transport in several EU countries: hundreds of flights were canceled or delayed, train and bus services were restricted, and power outages were reported in some regions.

Bloomberg reports on the large-scale consequences of the bad weather. According to the publication, on January 5 and 6, snowfalls closed runways and significantly restricted the operation of airports in France and the Netherlands.

Mass flight cancellations and restrictions at airports

Airports in France and the Netherlands were most affected by the bad weather. A significant number of flights were canceled at Nantes Airport in the Brittany region. Paris airports also reported numerous delays and cancellations of departures and arrivals.

In the Netherlands, the situation remained critical on Tuesday, January 6. According to officials, operations at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport were extremely limited. Passengers were advised to be prepared for schedule changes and delays, and in some cases, complete flight cancellations.

Paralysis of rail and bus services

In addition to air travel, the bad weather seriously affected ground transportation. Train traffic was disrupted throughout the Netherlands, including on international routes. In France, school bus service was suspended in some areas of the northwest of the country on January 6.

The authorities also introduced additional restrictions: speed limits were reduced, and heavy goods vehicles were temporarily banned from driving in regions with an “orange” danger level. The Paris metro was also partially restricted.

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A sharp cold snap and record temperatures

The transport collapse was caused by north winds driven by high-pressure systems in the Atlantic and Arctic. These caused a sharp drop in temperatures in northern and central Europe at the beginning of the week.

According to the UK Meteorological Office, on Monday night, the temperature in Marchem in south-east England dropped to -12.5 °C. In France, in the eastern city of Moutiers and in Oberstdorf in the Bavarian Alps, thermometers showed temperatures as low as -22 °C.

French meteorologists from Meteo France noted that this is the strongest cold snap in the country since 2012. As of January 6, an “orange” danger level due to snow and ice was in effect in 26 departments in northwestern France. In the Charente-Maritime department on the Atlantic coast, the snow cover reached 30 centimeters.

Consequences of bad weather: accidents, casualties, and power outages

Snow and ice caused fatal traffic accidents.

Two people died in the Paris region and two more were injured. According to The Independent, at least five people died in France as a result of the bad weather.

Due to difficult weather conditions, about 7,500 households in the Loire-Atlantique and Vendée departments were left without electricity. The cold snap has also sharply increased heating needs across the continent. In France, this has led to increased use of gas generators, as demand for electricity reached a five-year high on Monday.

Bad weather in other European countries

Weather problems have not only affected France and the Netherlands. Heavy rains that began before Christmas continue in Rome. Residents and tourists have been restricted from accessing parks and areas where there is a risk of falling trees and flooding.

In Scotland, heavy snowfall prompted calls for the military to be called in to clear roads and deliver food and medicine to people in difficult conditions. In some regions of the country, soccer matches have even been canceled.

Snow, heavy rain, and storms have also hit the Balkan countries of Bosnia, Serbia, Croatia, and Montenegro.

What travelers should consider

Amid widespread flight delays and cancellations, Dutch authorities have urged passengers to travel only when absolutely necessary. Similar recommendations apply to other countries where bad weather continues to affect the transport system.

If you are planning a trip abroad during the winter, especially during unstable weather, it is worth taking care of your safety in advance. In particular, medical insurance for traveling abroad will help you avoid unexpected expenses in case of injuries, illnesses, or delays due to extreme weather conditions. Ukrainians can conveniently purchase such a policy online through Visit Ukraine, which allows them to prepare for travel even in difficult conditions.

We remind you! Winter trips to the mountains require drivers to be especially attentive and take a responsible approach to the condition of their vehicles. Unexpected weather changes, difficult terrain, and slippery roads can pose serious risks even for experienced drivers. Read more about how to prepare your car for a winter trip to the mountains and avoid unpleasant surprises on the road.

Photo: Antonio Bronić/Reuters

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