Recent heavy snowfall has severely disrupted transport across France, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands, causing significant delays and cancellations in major transport hubs. The authorities have reported widespread travel challenges due to the accumulation of snow.
Transport Disruptions in France
On Monday, both Charles de Gaulle and Orly Airports in Paris faced major operational issues. The French Minister of Transport, Philippe Tabarot, announced that airlines would reduce their flight schedules by 15% to facilitate snow removal operations. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGAC) documented numerous delays in Paris, where bus services were completely halted in the afternoon. Traffic congestion reached new heights, with 1,020 kilometers of gridlock recorded in the greater Paris area.
- Airports Affected: Charles de Gaulle, Orly
- Flight Reductions: 15% reduction due to snow removal
- Record Traffic Congestion: 1,020 km
In Normandy, snowfall reached up to 15 centimeters, causing heavy goods vehicles to block the A28 highway between Rouen and Abbeville.
Impact in the Netherlands
Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport experienced significant disruptions, with nearly 700 flights canceled—over half of all scheduled flights for the day. The Dutch railway company, NS, announced that all Eurostar services linking the Netherlands with Paris and London were suspended. Train services faced extensive delays in the Amsterdam region, contributing to the travel chaos.
- Flights Canceled at Schiphol: Approximately 700
- Total Scheduled Flights: About 1,200
- Eurostar Services Suspended: All trips canceled until Monday evening
Conditions in the United Kingdom
Weather conditions in the UK added to travel difficulties, with temperatures plummeting to as low as -10.9°C in Shap. In northern Scotland, a snowfall of 52 centimeters was recorded in Tomintoul, impacting local airports. Flights at Aberdeen Airport were suspended, while Liverpool Airport’s runway was closed due to snow and ice. Additional cancellations occurred at Belfast and Manchester airports.
- Extreme Temperatures: -10.9°C in Shap
- Snow Accumulation: 52 cm in Tomintoul
- Airports Affected: Aberdeen, Liverpool, Belfast, Manchester
Schools in various regions, including northern Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales, were forced to close, disrupting the post-holiday return for thousands of students.
Ongoing Weather Challenges
The weather forecast indicates that the snowy conditions will persist, with further snowfall and icy conditions expected until Tuesday evening in Northern Ireland, Scotland, and parts of Wales and southwest England. The orange weather alert in France is effective until Tuesday morning, with potential extensions. Meanwhile, the Dutch meteorological institute anticipates more heavy snowfall on Wednesday.
This winter weather event highlights the challenges faced by transport systems across Europe, emphasizing the need for efficient emergency responses to severe conditions.
