1. Flight Disruptions
  2. Winter storm on 19 Feb disrupts European flights: 210 cancellations, 2,709 delays

Winter storm on 19 Feb disrupts European flights: 210 cancellations, 2,709 delays

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Checked by Carmina Davis

Last updated on 24 February 2026

2,919

Affected flights

4

Affected airports

7

Affected airlines

What Happened

A winter storm on 19 February disrupted air travel across Europe, leading to 210 cancellations and 2,709 delays. Amsterdam Schiphol was among the hardest hit hubs. Frankfurt, Paris Charles de Gaulle, Oslo Gardermoen and Munich also reported cancellations and delays. KLM recorded 57 cancellations and 126 delays, while easyJet reported 13 cancellations and 344 delays. Other affected airlines included SAS, Iberia, Air France, British Airways and Lufthansa. Ground transport was also impacted, with frozen tracks and icy roads. Knock-on effects were expected to continue through the week.

Flight Disruption Details

Air travel across Europe was disrupted on 19 February due to a winter storm that brought snow, ice and freezing temperatures. Across multiple countries, 210 flights were canceled and 2,709 were delayed.

Amsterdam Schiphol saw widespread network disruption. Additional airports reporting impacts included Frankfurt Airport (six cancellations and 435 delays), Paris Charles de Gaulle (five cancellations and 215 delays), Oslo Gardermoen (nine cancellations and 96 delays) and Munich (four cancellations and 145 delays).

Several airlines experienced operational strain. KLM reported 57 cancellations and 126 delays, while easyJet recorded 13 cancellations and 344 delays. Other affected carriers included SAS, Iberia, Air France, British Airways and Lufthansa.

The disruption extended to ground transport. Frozen railway tracks led to train delays and icy roads affected access to airports. Travelers were advised to check flight status via airline apps and websites before going to the airport.

According to guidance referenced in the report, affected passengers could seek rebooking on the next available flight or a full refund. Conditions were expected to improve by midday, but residual delays and schedule backlogs were likely to persist through the week. Travelers were encouraged to monitor both flight information and local travel conditions, including road and rail service updates, particularly for trips toward northern regions over the weekend.

Know your rights

These are your air passenger rights

When your flight's disrupted, you may be entitled to various forms of care and compensation under EC 261 and other applicable laws.

Rerouting or refund

If your flight is canceled, your airline must provide an alternative. You may also get a full refund if you no longer wish to travel.

Care and assistance

Your airline must provide food and refreshments if your journey is delayed more than a few hours.

Accommodation

If you are away from home and your journey is delayed overnight, the airline must offer you accommodation and transportation to it.

Communication

Under EC 261 you are entitled to 2 phone calls or emails if your journey is delayed over 1 hour. No compensation when a disruption is caused by extraordinary circumstances, as this appears to be.

This advice is provided to help you if your flight is delayed or canceled. However, the exact care and compensation you are entitled to will depend on your specific circumstances and flight. Always follow the directions of your airline, particularly with regard to check-in and boarding times.

Quick facts

Summary

Disruption

Delays and Cancellations

Cause

Weather issue

Status

Past disruption

Compensation

Not eligible for compensation

Flights affected

2919

Airlines affected

KLM, easyJet, SAS, Iberia, Air France, British Airways, Lufthansa

Airports affected

Amsterdam Schiphol, Frankfurt Airport, Paris Charles de Gaulle, Oslo Gardermoen

Cities affected

Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Paris, Oslo, Munich

Countries affected

Netherlands, United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, Italy, Belgium, Austria, France, Norway

Start date

2026-02-19

Checked by

Carmina Davis

Date updated

24 February 2026

What To Do If Your Flight Is Cancelled

If you're traveling to or from the European Union, here's what to do when your flight is unexpectedly scrubbed:

Gather evidence that your flight was delayed, canceled, or overbooked.

Get the airline to provide written confirmation of the disruption and the reason behind it.

Request an alternative flight to your destination — or a refund if you no longer wish to travel.

Make a note of the arrival time at your final destination.

Ask the airline to provide vouchers for meals and refreshments.

Avoid signing documents or accepting offers that may waive your passenger rights.

If an overnight stay is required, ask the airline to provide accommodation.

Save receipts for any additional expenses caused by the disruption.

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