Brussels/Paris/Madrid, 11 October 2025 (developing) — Air travel across Europe is facing major disruption today, with hundreds of cancellations and thousands of delays already logged this morning. Airlines and airports warn that the situation is likely to worsen through the afternoon and evening as strikes, staffing shortages, and weather conditions ripple across the continent.
Current Situation
- By mid‑morning, live tracking data showed over 400 cancellations and 6,000 delays across Europe.
- Spain, France, and the Netherlands are the hardest hit, though knock‑on effects are being felt in Germany, Italy, and the UK.
- Average delays are running 30–90 minutes, with some long‑haul departures pushed back several hours.
Causes of Disruption
- France: Residual delays from earlier air traffic control strikes continue to slow traffic through French airspace.
- Spain: Baggage‑handler strikes at Madrid, Barcelona, Málaga, and Palma de Mallorca are causing rolling cancellations.
- Netherlands: Amsterdam Schiphol is reporting ground handling bottlenecks, with KLM warning of significant delays.
- Weather: Fog and low visibility in parts of Central Europe are compounding the strain.
Live Brief Updates
08:00 CET — Early Morning
- More than 200 cancellations logged, mostly in Spain and France.
- Passengers report long queues at Madrid Barajas and Paris Charles de Gaulle.
10:30 CET — Mid‑Morning
- Delays surpass 4,000 flights continent‑wide.
- Schiphol Airport reports average delays of 45–60 minutes.
- Fog in Germany and Austria adds to congestion.
12:00 CET — Forecast for Afternoon
- Airlines warn of secondary delays as aircraft and crews fall out of position.
- French airspace restrictions expected to cause further knock‑on effects during peak travel hours.
Forecast for End of Day
- Cancellations could rise to 700–900 flights across Europe.
- Delays may reach 10,000–12,000 flights, with average wait times stretching to 60–120 minutes.
- Spain, France, the Netherlands, and Italy are expected to remain the most affected hotspots.
Ongoing
- Passengers advised to check flight status apps frequently and allow extra time at airports.
- Disruption likely to extend into evening schedules and may spill into Sunday morning departures.
Passenger Guidance
- Check flight status apps (airline apps, FlightAware, Eurocontrol Network Manager) before leaving for the airport.
- Allow extra time for check‑in and security, especially in Spain and France.
- Rebook early if your flight is canceled — many airlines are offering fee‑free changes.
- Plan for spillover delays into Sunday morning.
Outlook
With additional industrial action scheduled in Belgium and Italy later this month, analysts warn that October could remain volatile for European air travel. For now, the situation on 11 October 2025 remains live and evolving, with passengers urged to monitor updates closely throughout the day.
Sources: FlightAware live data; Metro UK; VisaVerge; Travel & Tour World; TimeOut
