Thousands of passengers flying between the United Kingdom and the Netherlands faced severe travel disruption on Friday, 2 January 2026, as heavy snow and strong winds forced Amsterdam's main airport to cancel scores of flights.
Widespread Cancellations Hit Major Airlines
The severe winter conditions at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport led to the grounding of over 60 flights connecting the UK and the Dutch hub. This significant disruption is estimated to have affected around 7,000 travellers on a single day. Major carriers including KLM, easyJet, and British Airways were compelled to axe numerous services departing from and arriving at key UK airports.
Airports impacted included London Heathrow, London City, Manchester, and Birmingham, with delays and cancellations causing chaos in terminals. The disruption coincided with a period of challenging weather across parts of the UK, which saw the Met Office issue New Year snow and ice warnings.
Passenger Rights and Entitlements
For those caught in the travel chaos, understanding passenger rights is crucial. Under EU regulation EC261/2004, which still forms the basis of UK passenger compensation rules, travellers on cancelled flights have specific entitlements.
Airlines are obligated to offer re-routing on the next available flight to your final destination. Furthermore, they must provide reasonable care, which includes meals and refreshments proportionate to the waiting time, and if an overnight stay becomes necessary, hotel accommodation and transport between the airport and the hotel.
Navigating the Aftermath
Passengers are advised to stay in close contact with their airline for the latest information on rebooking. While the immediate weather event has passed, the knock-on effects of such widespread cancellations can last for days as airlines work to reposition aircraft and crews. Travellers should check their flight status extensively before heading to the airport in the coming days.
The incident at Schiphol serves as a stark reminder of winter travel vulnerability and underscores the importance of knowing your rights when unforeseen circumstances derail journey plans.
