Weather conditions have paralyzed air traffic in Europe: at least 700 flights have been canceled in Amsterdam

Heavy snow and wind have caused massive flight cancellations and transport chaos in Europe. Find out why hundreds of flights have been canceled in Amsterdam, what is happening in France, and how to prepare for travel during bad weather

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One of Europe's largest aviation hubs, Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, has faced a major transport collapse due to snowfall and strong winds. Weather conditions have already led to massive flight cancellations, delays, and passengers being forced to spend the night in terminals. A similar situation is observed in France, where bad weather has caused disruptions in air and urban transport. This was reported by The Guardian.

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport: hundreds of canceled flights and passengers in terminals

On Wednesday, January 7, the administration of Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport announced the cancellation of at least 700 flights due to snow and gusty winds. At the same time, the airport warns that the number of cancellations may increase.

Thousands of passengers were affected by the weather disruption. According to the administration, more than 1,000 people were forced to spend the night at the airport due to delays and cancellations. Cots were set up for them, and breakfast was provided in the morning.

Schiphol is one of Europe's key transit hubs, so disruptions to its operations affect not only domestic flights but also international air traffic across the continent.

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France is also at risk of transport disruption due to snow and ice

Difficult weather conditions have also hit France. On Tuesday, five people died as a result of traffic accidents caused by icy roads.

On Wednesday morning, the situation worsened for air travel. About 100 flights were canceled at Charles de Gaulle Airport due to snowfall and severe cold. Another 40 flights were canceled at Orly Airport, according to the French Minister of Transport.

The icy conditions also affected public transport in the French capital. Public transport in Paris and its suburbs was partially suspended, although most metro and suburban train lines continued to operate.

According to the Météo France meteorological service, 38 of France's 96 departments, including mainland France and Corsica, are on high alert due to heavy snowfall and icy conditions. These regions have already seen between 3 and 7 centimeters of snowfall.

Meteorologists note that the current cold snap is “unusually intense for this season,” which significantly complicates transport operations and increases the risks for travel.

What passengers should consider when traveling in Europe

Mass flight cancellations and transport disruptions once again demonstrate how vulnerable logistics can be during sudden weather changes. Passengers are advised to closely monitor announcements from airlines and airports, as well as to prepare for possible delays or overnight stays in transit areas.

When traveling abroad in winter, it is especially important to have valid medical insurance, which will help avoid additional expenses in case of illness, injury, or force majeure situations related to flight delays. Ukrainians can purchase medical insurance for traveling abroad in advance online through Visit Ukraine, which provides an additional sense of security during unstable weather.

We remind you! Europe has been hit by a wave of Arctic cold, which has led to transport chaos, accidents, and power outages. Read about which countries have canceled flights, where traffic has been restricted, and how bad weather is affecting travel in Europe.

Photo: ANP/Shutterstock

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