Paris Snowstorm Reduces Flights by 30% at CDG, 20% at Orly

A winter storm severely impacted air travel in Paris on February 15, 2026. The storm prompted the French Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC) to mandate significant flight cancellations at two main airports: Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Orly (ORY).

Flight Cancellations Due to Storm

From 07:00 to 16:00 at CDG, around 30% of scheduled flights were canceled. Meanwhile, at ORY, approximately 20% of services were also suspended between 06:00 and 14:00. The cancellations primarily affected short to medium-haul flights, preventing potential overload on the runways. Each aircraft requires de-icing, a process that can delay flights by 20 to 40 minutes.

Weather Warnings and Conditions

The Île-de-France region was issued an orange alert from Météo-France, indicating significant snowfall and potential ice hazards. Snow accumulations were projected to range from 1 to 3 centimeters, with up to 5 centimeters expected in Yvelines and Seine-et-Marne.

Impact on Travelers

• Flight disruptions were widespread, affecting routes from Nice, Toulouse, and Lyon to Paris.
• International travelers faced additional challenges in rebooking flights and aligning paperwork.
• VisaHQ’s France portal provided a useful resource for travelers needing to check visa requirements or request extensions.

Ground Transportation Adjustments

In response to the storm, regional prefectures implemented reduced speed limits on highways and banned overtaking for heavy vehicles. While SNCF maintained its long-distance train schedules, warnings were issued regarding potential delays for suburban services.

Passenger Rights and Regulations

Travelers whose flights were canceled are entitled to rerouting or refunds under EU Regulation 261/2004. However, weather-related issues are classified as “extraordinary circumstances,” which means financial compensation is typically not provided. Recently enacted French legislation also requires passengers to seek mediation before pursuing court claims, aiming to alleviate pressure on small-claims tribunals.

Looking Ahead

Airports operator Groupe ADP anticipates that these precautionary cancellations will help avoid a repeat of earlier storm-related disruptions that led to a 40% reduction at CDG and 25% at ORY. Forecasters expect temperatures to rise above freezing later in the day, enabling rain to wash away remaining snow and allow for a gradual return to regular flight operations overnight.