- Flight Disruptions
- Europe: 217 flights canceled and 806 delayed on 5 March 2026 across major hubs
Europe: 217 flights canceled and 806 delayed on 5 March 2026 across major hubs
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Checked by Matteo Floris
Last updated on March 5, 2026
1,023
Affected flights
10
Affected airports
16
Affected airlines
What Happened
Europe experienced widespread air travel disruption on 5 March 2026, with 217 cancellations and 806 delays across major airports in England, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Switzerland. Heathrow reported 43 cancellations and 113 delays, Gatwick 14 and 139, and Schiphol 31 and 98. Airlines impacted included easyJet, British Airways, Emirates, Etihad, KLM, Air France, Lufthansa and Swiss. Travelers were advised to monitor flight status, contact airlines for rebooking, and review policies on alternative travel and compensation.
Passengers affected by this flight disruption may be eligible for compensation of up to $650 under passenger rights regulations. Eligibility depends on the circumstances of the disruption.
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Flight Disruption Details
Air travelers across Europe faced extensive disruption on 5 March 2026, with 217 flights canceled and 806 delayed across key airports in England, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Switzerland. The impact was concentrated at major hubs and affected a wide range of carriers.
In the UK, London Heathrow recorded 43 cancellations and 113 delays. London Gatwick had the highest number of delays among the listed airports, with 139 delayed flights and 14 cancellations. London City logged 30 cancellations and 58 delays, while Manchester reported 13 cancellations and 47 delays.
In the Netherlands, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol reported 31 cancellations and 98 delays. France’s Paris Charles de Gaulle recorded 27 cancellations and 125 delays. Switzerland’s Zurich Airport saw 22 cancellations and 39 delays, and Geneva Airport noted 11 cancellations and 34 delays.
Germany’s major hubs were also affected: Frankfurt Airport handled 15 cancellations and 90 delays, and Munich Airport experienced 11 cancellations and 63 delays.
Multiple airlines were impacted. easyJet reported 117 delays and 6 cancellations. British Airways recorded 16 cancellations and 46 delays. Emirates saw 36 cancellations and 5 delays, while Etihad Airways reported 32 cancellations and 8 delays. KLM logged 10 cancellations and 41 delays, Air France 6 cancellations and 73 delays, Lufthansa 54 delays only, and Swiss International Air Lines 5 cancellations and 13 delays. Additional affected carriers included Qatar Airways, Ryanair, Jet2, TAP Air Portugal, Pegasus Airlines, Condor, Vueling Airlines, and BA CityFlyer.
Passengers were advised to track flight status updates, contact their airline or booking provider for rebooking options, stay attentive to airport announcements, keep travel documents accessible, and review airline policies regarding alternative arrangements or potential compensation.
These disruptions across multiple hubs highlight how operational issues in one location can create knock-on effects across the network, with London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Amsterdam Schiphol, Paris Charles de Gaulle, Frankfurt, and Zurich among the most impacted locations on the day in question.
Know your rights
These are your air passenger rights
When your flight's disrupted, you have rights. Most passenger protection laws cover the following:
Rerouting or refund
If your flight is canceled, your airline must provide an alternative. Some laws say you can choose a full refund instead.
Food and essential care
Providing food and drinks is a basic right under many regulations. Typically after a delay of a few hours.
Accommodation
Some passenger rights say the airline must provide accommodation when your journey is delayed overnight.
Compensation
Good passenger rights ensure passengers get fairly compensated for delays and cancellations. Try our compensation check and find out how much money we can get you.
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
Other
Status
Past disruption
Compensation
May qualify for compensation
Flights affected
1023
Airlines affected
British Airways, Emirates, Air France, KLM, easyJet, Etihad Airways, Lufthansa, Swiss International Air Lines, Qatar Airways, Ryanair, Jet2, TAP Air Portugal, Pegasus Airlines, Condor, Vueling Airlines, BA CityFlyer
Airports affected
London Heathrow Airport, London Gatwick Airport, London City Airport, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, Zurich Airport, Geneva Airport, Frankfurt Airport, Munich Airport, Manchester Airport
Cities affected
London, Amsterdam, Paris, Zurich, Geneva, Frankfurt, Munich, Manchester
Countries affected
England, France, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland
Start date
2026-03-05
End date
2026-03-05
Checked by
Matteo Floris
Date updated
March 5, 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.
