A significant disruption to air travel occurred across Europe due to heavy snow, industrial strikes, and operational issues. Passengers faced widespread cancellations and delays, particularly affecting major airports like Heathrow and Schiphol.
Impact of Snow and Strikes on Flight Operations
In mid-February, a storm system moved eastward from the Benelux countries into Germany. This coincided with severe thunderstorms and high winds affecting parts of the UK and France. Over two days, more than 700 flights across Europe were cancelled, and over 5,000 experienced delays.
- Amsterdam Schiphol: Changes to about 50% of one Sunday’s services, with 119 departures and 98 arrivals cancelled.
- Paris Airports: Paris Charles de Gaulle reduced flights by 30%, leading to 196 cancellations, while Orly cut 20% of its services.
- UK Airports: Heathrow and Gatwick faced severe disruptions. Notably, British Airways cancelled 17 flights and delayed 211, while easyJet reported 22 cancellations and 521 delays.
- Lufthansa Strike: On February 16, a strike led to the grounding of 800 flights, affecting around 100,000 passengers in Frankfurt and Munich.
Contributing Factors to Flight Cancellations
Eurocontrol issued directives for airlines to significantly reduce operations to manage safety concerns. They requested a 60% decrease in flight movements between 5 PM and midnight on February 15 due to hazardous runway conditions caused by the snow and ice.
Operational difficulties compounded the weather’s impact. Crew shortages and aircraft maintenance problems made it harder for airlines to manage the situation. This combination of weather events and operational challenges led to widespread disruptions during a peak travel period.
Immediate Passenger Impact
Travelers encountered missed connections and longer wait times, forcing many to rebook flights or seek alternative carriers. The airports most affected included:
- Amsterdam Schiphol
- Paris Charles de Gaulle and Orly
- London Heathrow and Gatwick
- Frankfurt and Munich
The combination of the Lufthansa strike and issues faced by British Airways and Air France added to the overall chaos, impacting thousands of travelers across Europe.
Operational Responses and Recovery Measures
Affected airlines began offering rebooking options and refunds where applicable. Airports implemented temporary restrictions to facilitate safe operations and manage backlogs. The restoration of normal flight schedules is a priority as airlines work toward accommodating disrupted passengers.
Moving forward, Eurocontrol’s earlier request to limit flights provides a framework for easing congestion. Recovery will depend on clearing runways, returning grounded aircraft to service, and ensuring crew availability for upcoming flights. Progress will include a gradual resumption of services at impacted airports and a targeted return of cancelled short-haul routes.
