Airlines operating from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) cancelled more than 100 flights on Saturday, Jan. 3, after severe weather on Friday caused major disruptions. The airport faced chaos with hundreds of flight cancellations and re-routes on Friday due to snow, freezing rain and strong winds, according to media reports.
The winter weather causes delays and cancellations
Severe winter weather disrupted hundreds of flights at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol as snow and strong winds restricted runway usage. Flights were further delayed due to aircraft de-icing. Many connecting flights were delayed or rerouted.
The Schiphol airport handles over 60 million passengers annually and is an important transfer hub for flights across Europe. It also serves as a primary base for KLM, which was significantly impacted due to the chaos.
Airlines such as British Airways and easyJet cancelled flights between Amsterdam and the United Kingdom. Other European airlines, including Air France, Finnair, Lufthansa, SAS, Austrian Airlines and Swiss, also cancelled flights to Amsterdam.
The chaos spilt over with further delays and cancellations expected on Saturday, January 3, 2026. The Schiphol airport issued an advisory, asking travellers to check their flight information before travelling. As of 10:59 a.m. local time, the website read:
“Due to winter weather and aircraft de-icing, flights on Saturday, 3 January, may experience delays or cancellations.”
Ripple effects across Europe
Airlines operating from Schiphol Airport have taken preemptive measures, including prioritising long-haul and connecting flights, with many short-haul flights cancelled. KLM reduced its schedule for the day. According to media reports, passengers inside the airport also reported long queues and extended wait times.
Passengers may be entitled to refunds or accommodation under the European Union passenger rights regulations and have been advised to check with their airline accordingly.
Beyond Amsterdam, weather conditions have impacted flights across Europe. Operations at Dublin and Manchester Airports have been impacted.
Were you impacted by these disruptions? Do share your experience in the comments below.
