Flights to Charles de Gaulle Amidst European Air Travel Paralysis
February 2026 saw a perfect storm of adverse weather and industrial action bring European air travel to its knees, with Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) becoming a focal point of significant disruption. Thousands of flights were cancelled or severely delayed across the continent, leaving a trail of stranded passengers and scrambled airline operations.
A Double Whammy: Snow and Strikes
The primary culprits behind the widespread chaos were a potent combination of heavy snowstorms sweeping across Europe and a significant strike by Lufthansa pilots and cabin crew. On February 15th and 16th, these twin forces converged, leading to over 700 flight cancellations and more than 5,000 delays across major European hubs. Airports that typically operate with clockwork precision found themselves gridlocked, struggling to cope with the dual onslaught.
Impact on Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and French Airports
Paris Charles de Gaulle, a vital gateway for international travel, was not spared. The airport was forced to implement a 30% reduction in its flight schedule. This measure resulted in 196 reported cancellations across France, impacting countless journeys. While Paris itself may have seen lighter snowfall, surrounding regions like Yvelines and Seine-et-Marne experienced up to 5 centimeters of snow and ice, rendering roads and runways treacherous. Paris Orly also saw a 20% cut in its operations, with numerous other French airports following suit as the severe weather took hold.
Widespread Disruption Across Europe's Busiest Hubs
The disruptions extended far beyond France. Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, one of Europe's busiest, faced immense pressure. Approximately half of its scheduled flights on Sunday, February 15th, were either delayed or cancelled. By late afternoon, KLM, the Dutch flag carrier and Schiphol's largest operator, had cancelled 147 flights and delayed 102, predominantly on short-haul routes within the Schengen Area. Eurocontrol, the European air traffic management organization, reported that Schiphol officials warned of "heavy delays" and requested airlines to cancel around 60% of movements between 5 p.m. and midnight on the 15th.
London's Airports Feel the Chill
In the United Kingdom, London Heathrow and Gatwick airports also grappled with significant operational challenges. British Airways reported 17 cancelled flights and 211 delays, while easyJet saw 521 flights delayed and 22 cancelled. The severe weather conditions necessitated reduced operations and even restrictions on heavy truck movements within airport grounds.
German Airports and the Lufthansa Strike
Germany's air travel network was severely tested. Munich Airport reported 233 delayed flights and 9 cancellations. Frankfurt International faced 10 cancellations and 126 delays. The situation was exacerbated by a critical strike by Lufthansa pilots and cabin crew on February 16th. This industrial action grounded approximately 800 flights, affecting an estimated 100,000 passengers. The strike caused significant disruption across Frankfurt, Munich, and other key German hubs, leaving travellers stranded or forced onto alternative routes.
Knock-on Effects and Supply Chain Strain
The ripple effects of these cancellations and delays were felt across Europe and beyond, impacting connecting flights and creating a domino effect of missed connections and aircraft repositioning issues. The impact extended to air cargo operations. While Lufthansa Cargo's freighter operations remained largely stable, the cancellation of passenger flights meant a significant loss of belly cargo capacity for goods. This reduction in capacity put a strain on supply chains, particularly for perishable goods and express shipments. Shippers were advised to anticipate firmer spot rates on short-haul routes due to the scarcity of belly space, with normalization expected once normal flight schedules resumed.
Navigating Travel Disruptions: Your Rights and Advice
For travellers caught in this widespread disruption, staying informed and proactive was crucial. European air passenger rights regulations provide clear guidelines for such situations. Passengers whose flights were cancelled were entitled to either a full refund or rebooking on the earliest reasonable alternative flight. Furthermore, airlines were obligated to provide care, including meals and accommodation, where necessary, especially during extended delays or cancellations.
Staying Flexible and Proactive
Travellers are advised to regularly check their flight status directly with their airline, monitor airport announcements, and be prepared for potential changes. If a connecting flight is cancelled, passengers should actively inquire about rerouting options, potentially via partner airlines if their original carrier cannot provide a timely solution. Understanding these rights and maintaining a flexible approach can help mitigate the stress and inconvenience associated with widespread travel disruptions like those experienced in February 2026.
