Snow Brings Flight Cuts at Paris Airports as Disruption Spreads Across Europe
Heavy snowfall over Paris led French aviation authorities to request a reduction in flight activity at the capital’s main airports on Monday. Airlines operating at Charles de Gaulle and Orly were asked to cancel 15% of scheduled flights until later in the evening to maintain safe operations. Carriers were allowed to decide which services to remove, provided overall departures and arrivals were reduced during the worst conditions.
France’s transport ministry warned that disruption could continue through the day and advised people to check their flight status before travelling to the airport. Passengers were also encouraged to use public transport rather than cars, as road conditions around Paris deteriorated. Snow clearance and aircraft de-icing slowed airport processes, adding pressure during an already busy winter travel period.
Disruption was not limited to France. In the Netherlands, Amsterdam Schiphol cancelled nearly 500 flights on Monday morning, according to Dutch news agency ANP. Snow reduced runway capacity, forcing the airport to suspend inbound flights until midday. As one of Europe’s main transfer airports, problems at Schiphol quickly led to missed connections and delays well beyond the Netherlands.
Travel continues despite reduced schedules
As conditions ease, travel to Paris is starting to settle back into a more predictable rhythm. The city remains accessible for visitors planning time in museums, historic neighbourhoods and winter events, even while flight schedules are still limited. Rail services and local transport continue to link the airport with the city, making it possible to reach accommodation and central districts despite disruption at the airport.
Cold weather can interfere with air travel with very little notice, especially at major hub airports. Cutting flight numbers helps keep operations workable, but delays often follow. In winter, checking flight status and leaving extra time is part of the routine. In January, snow and ice frequently disrupt airport operations and lead to delays on connecting flights.