More than 2,000 flights have been cancelled at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport as winter weather continues to cause disruption for a fifth consecutive day. Tens of thousands of passengers from the UK have been affected, with flights to and from the Dutch hub grounded due to snow, fog, and sub-freezing temperatures.
Schiphol Airport warned that only limited air traffic is possible, stating: “Due to persistent winter weather, only limited air traffic is possible to and from Schiphol. Our snow crews are working around the clock to keep the runways clear, and aircraft are being carefully de-iced to ensure everyone can travel safely.” No trains are running to or from the airport until at least 2pm.
Dutch airline KLM has cancelled flights to and from UK airports, including Manchester. In a statement, KLM said: “Severe winter weather, including snow and strong winds, is currently disrupting flights at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. We understand this is stressful, and we are doing everything possible to help you reach your destination.”
According to Flightradar24, around a third of all flights had been cancelled by 7:30am, with the figure expected to rise to 50–60 per cent throughout the day. A total of 2,597 flights have been cancelled over the six-day period from Friday to Wednesday.
Passengers are urged to contact their airline for information and not to come to the airport if their flight has been cancelled. Under UK law, airlines must offer re-routing or a refund, but compensation is unlikely as extreme weather is considered an extraordinary circumstance.
