Air passengers across Europe are experiencing widespread disruption today, with 452 flight cancellations and over 10,000 delays reported across the continent, according to live data from FlightAware. While the situation varies by region, several major airports—including Brussels, Zurich and Dublin—are reporting significant operational strain driven by winter weather, air‑traffic flow restrictions and high seasonal demand.
Brussels South Charleroi Airport recorded 37 cancellations, representing nearly half of its scheduled departures, while Brussels Airport saw 30 cancellations and additional delays. Zurich Airport also reported notable disruption, with 39 delayed flights and multiple cancellations across carriers including Lufthansa and British Airways.
Dublin Airport, one of Europe’s busiest transatlantic gateways, logged 178 delays and six cancellations today, affecting airlines such as Aer Lingus, Emerald Airlines and Lufthansa. The knock‑on effect has been felt across connecting routes into the UK, mainland Europe and North America.
What’s Causing Today’s Disruptions?
- Winter weather systems across central and northern Europe
- Air‑traffic control restrictions due to low visibility and wind
- High passenger volumes following the holiday period
- Operational bottlenecks as airlines rotate crews and aircraft
Advice for Travellers
- Check flight status frequently: Delays are shifting throughout the day as weather patterns move.
- Arrive early: Security queues and gate changes are common during high‑disruption days.
- Use airline apps: Most carriers now offer real‑time rebooking and digital boarding passes.
- Avoid tight connections: European hubs are experiencing cascading delays.
- Monitor airport advisories: Some airports are issuing localised warnings and flow‑control updates.
Despite the scale of delays, Europe’s cancellation numbers remain moderate compared with severe storm events, suggesting airlines are prioritising schedule continuity while absorbing delays where necessary.
