Snow and Ice Disrupt Flights and Block Highways Across Europe

Severe winter weather, characterized by heavy snow and ice, has disrupted transportation across Europe. On January 7, 2026, Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport faced chaos, with over 1,000 passengers stranded overnight. The icy conditions led to the cancellation of nearly 800 flights, causing frustration among travelers.

Impact on Transportation in Europe

Transportation links were significantly impaired, affecting cities from Paris to Berlin. Schiphol Airport staff worked diligently, setting up field beds and serving meals to weary travelers as they cleared runways. Passengers, like Sonja Wurmlingel, faced multiple flight cancellations and rerouting complications, raising uncertainty about their journeys home.

Conditions in Major Cities

• Amsterdam: Hundreds of flights canceled; passengers advised of cancellations early.
• Paris: Major attractions like the Eiffel Tower experienced heavy snowfall, causing traffic disruptions.
• Berlin: Power restored to thousands after a four-day outage, though winter weather complicated conditions.

In Paris, the national weather service issued alerts for northern and western regions, advising residents to work from home and avoid unnecessary travel. Roads became treacherous, leading to bans on trucks and school buses, while local bus services were suspended entirely.

Rail and Road Travel Disruptions

The Dutch rail network was heavily impacted, and operators urged travelers to postpone journeys due to fewer available trains. More than 700 kilometers of traffic jams hindered road travel, as trucks struggled and snow plows worked to clear the highways.

Disruptions were not limited to the Netherlands and France. Sweden reported heavy snowfall as trams in Göteborg were temporarily suspended. In Finland, diesel bus issues compounded bus cancellations in areas like Helsinki, illustrating the widespread impact of winter weather across Europe.

This wintry weather has led to a cascade of operational challenges, highlighting the vulnerability of transportation systems during severe weather events. As conditions persist, travelers are encouraged to remain informed about updates and delays.