Published February 23, 2026

Thousands of travelers across Europe are facing severe disruption as the winter storm disrupts air travel. The UK, France, Spain, Helsinki and the Netherlands have been hit hard, with 159 new flights canceled and 1,190 delayed, affecting multiple airlines. SAS, Emerald, Finnair and EasyJet are among those affected, with passengers stranded at major airports including London Heathrow, Paris Charles de Gaulle, Madrid Barajas, Amsterdam Schiphol and Helsinki-Vantaa. As weather conditions worsen, snow and cold winds continue to disrupt flight schedules, making airline operations even more difficult. Flight cancellations are widespread, with easyJet and SAS experiencing significant setbacks.

In addition to flight problems, ground response and runway conditions have worsened, with passengers in Amsterdam, Paris and Madrid facing long delays. Travelers are advised to check flight status frequently and prepare for further disruptions in the coming days.

Bad weather suspends travel in Europe and US East Coast

Romania’s winter troubles: snow, ice, and strong winds

Romania faced severe disruption on Saturday, February 21, 2026, as heavy snow, icy conditions and strong winds affected roads, ports and power supplies. Emergency services were on high alert and rescued about 75 people trapped in 46 vehicles in 16 areas in seven counties, including Bucharest. Fortunately, no highways were closed and rail traffic was largely unaffected, but some national highways faced restrictions.

Power outages were reported in 12 areas across five counties, affecting approximately 1,222 residents. In particular, one of the runways at Constanta’s Mihail Kogalniceanu International Airport was temporarily closed due to ice. Although operations have resumed at the northern and southern ports of Constanta, the situation remains difficult at the ports of Mangalia, Midia and Srinavala in Tulcea County, where operations were suspended due to weather.

France suffers from harsh winter conditions and flooding

Meanwhile, bad weather continued in France, affecting large parts of the country. Heavy rains caused the Garonne River to overflow in southwestern France, causing widespread flooding in La Réole and surrounding areas. Storm Pedro, which followed Storm Nils, was less intense but still brought winds of over 113 km/h and up to 50 millimeters of rain, exacerbating the already difficult conditions of a wet winter.

The French government has issued orange and red flood warnings, the highest level of concern, as the country faces severe winter storms and river flooding. These warnings have been in effect for more than 30 consecutive days, making it one of the longest-running weather-related disruptions. However, there are some signs of relief as high pressure is expected to bring a temporary halt to the rain next week.

New York hit by historic snowstorm

Across the Atlantic, similar weather-related disruptions are occurring on the U.S. East Coast. A late winter storm is expected to hit New York City, New Jersey, and other coastal areas on Sunday, February 22, 2026. A blizzard warning has been issued across the region, with some areas expected to receive up to 1 to 2 feet (30 to 60 centimeters) of snow. This is the first time a blizzard warning has been issued for New York City since 2017.

Weather disruption across Europe: total delays and cancellations

The effects of these situations are far-reaching. Across Europe’s major airports, Cancellation of flight 149 and 1,190 delays The most significant disruptions occurred at major hubs, including: London Heathrow Airport (LHR), Charles de Gaulle (CDG)and Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS).

• London Heathrow Airport (LHR): 43 cancellations, 144 delays
• Charles de Gaulle (CDG): 18 cancellations, 137 delays
• Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas (MAD): 14 cancellations, 87 delays
• Zurich (ZRH): 15 cancellations, 78 delays
• Copenhagen (CPH): 16 cancellations, 104 delays
• Dublin (DUB): 13 cancellations, 90 delays
• Oslo (OSL): 12 cancellations, 120 delays
• Stockholm-Arlanda (ARN): 10 cancellations, 82 delays
• Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS): 9 cancellations, 185 delays
• Helsinki-Vantaa (HEL): 9 cancellations, 163 delays

This widespread disruption has caused confusion for passengers, especially those attempting to enter and exit major international airports. Delays and cancellations are mainly caused by heavy snow, subzero temperatures, and strong winds, which affect runway conditions and cause operational problems for airlines.

Analysis of affected airports, cities, and airlines

The airlines most affected by weather conditions are: SAS, air france, british airways, Finnairand easyjetcancellations and delays are occurring on various routes.

• SAS reported 17 cancellations (3%) and 69 Delay (12%).
• air france had 14 cancellations (2%) and 78 Delay (12%).
• british airways had 14 cancellations (1%) and 64 Delay (9%).
• easyjet faced 4 cancellations (0%) But alarming 358 Delay (20%).

moreover, Finnairis known for its air services to Northern Europe. 9 cancellations (2%) and numerous delays; 138 (41%)indicating that winter conditions are severely impacting its operations.

What affected passengers can do now

For affected passengers, the first step is to check with your airline for the latest flight status and see if there are any alternative flights available. If your flight is canceled, airlines are often asked to offer you a rebooking on the next available flight or a refund of your fare. Passengers are advised to obtain real-time information on the airport’s official website and mobile app and keep an eye out for announcements regarding additional delays and cancellations.

Travelers should also be prepared for long waits at check-in counters and security lines, as continued disruptions result in higher-than-normal passenger volumes. In addition, travelers to and from the United States may face delays due to the storm’s impact on New York City and other East Coast airports, which could extend to international flights as well.

What to expect in the coming days

Due to the continuing weather conditions, passengers should be flexible with their travel plans. More cancellations and delays are likely as snowstorms and strong winds continue to affect southern and eastern Europe and New York City.

including airlines easyjet, air franceand SASis expected to continue to face operational challenges. Passengers are urged to arrive at the airport earlier than usual, be well prepared in case of extended delays, and keep up to date with the latest weather information.

Travelers are encouraged to check with their airlines for specific guidance regarding delays and cancellations. In the event of a long delay, many airports will provide accommodation, meals, and transportation on a case-by-case basis.

conclusion

As winter storms continue to disrupt air travel in Europe, airports across the continent are experiencing unprecedented levels of cancellations and delays. Passengers transiting through major hub airports such as london heathrow airport, paris charles de gaulleand amsterdam schiphol They are bearing the brunt of the disruption caused by the weather. That’s all 1,190 delays and 149 cancellationsthe situation remains fluid and travelers should remain vigilant and informed.

sauce: flight aware Airports affected