Flight disruptions hit major European travel routes this weekend as Air France and British Airways cancelled dozens of flights, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded at airports in the United Kingdom and France.
The cancellations and delays, linked to a combination of adverse weather, operational challenges, crew shortages, and air traffic control delays, affected major hubs including London Heathrow, Paris Orly, and Lucciana.
A combined total of 52 flights were cancelled by the two carriers, with another 23 flights delayed, creating chaos for both holidaymakers and business travelers.
British Airways was the most impacted, cancelling around 39 flights and delaying 11 others, particularly affecting services in and out of London Heathrow.
Air France cancelled about 13 flights and delayed around 12, largely on routes to and from Paris airports.
Several long-haul flights to destinations in North America, including Nashville, Dallas-Fort Worth, Los Angeles, and New York, were among those cancelled, further compounding delays for passengers connecting through European hubs.
Travelers at Heathrow, Paris Orly, and other key airports were left scrambling for alternative arrangements, with some facing hours of delay or last-minute rebooking.
Airports experienced increased congestion as passengers awaited news on replacement flights or refunds.
Airlines have issued apologies and said their teams are working to rebook passengers and restore normal operations as quickly as possible.
However, aviation analysts warn that aircraft and crew displacement from cancelled services could prolong disruptions over the coming days.
The disruption comes amid broader challenges for European air travel.
Severe winter weather in recent weeks has forced other carriers, including KLM, Finnair, Lufthansa, and Swiss, to cancel flights across Europe and to transatlantic destinations.
Additionally, ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have prompted some airlines to adjust routes and suspend services to certain regions, adding operational complexity for global carriers.
Passengers are encouraged to check their flight status with their carrier before traveling, monitor airline apps and airport departure boards for real-time updates.
As airlines continue to manage winter-season weather impacts and staffing pressures, travelers are to expect ongoing schedule changes and plan accordingly.
