A prolonged spell of freezing weather has caused widespread disruption to transport networks across western Europe, as heavy snow, ice, and low temperatures grounded flights, delayed rail services, and left thousands of travelers stranded.
Major airports in the Netherlands, France, and the United Kingdom were among the hardest hit, while authorities warned that further disruption could follow as conditions persisted.
At Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport, a key European transport hub, more than 700 flights were canceled in a single day as freezing conditions hampered operations.
Dutch national airline KLM warned the airport was close to running out of de-icing fluid after days of severe weather, calling the situation exceptional.
More than 1,000 travelers spent the night inside the terminal, where temporary beds were set up and food and drinks were provided.
In France, aviation authorities asked airlines to cut 40 percent of scheduled flights at Paris’s main international airport.
More than 100 flights were canceled at Charles de Gaulle Airport, with additional cancellations reported at Orly.
Dozens of flights were also delayed or scrapped at Heathrow Airport in London and at Brussels Airport.
Rail and road transport were also affected across the region.
Some Eurostar services between London and Paris were delayed or canceled as weather conditions disrupted cross-Channel travel.
Nearly half of mainland France was placed on alert for heavy snow and black ice, leading to restrictions on lorry traffic in certain areas.
At least six people died in weather-related incidents this week, including five in France and one in Bosnia.
In Sarajevo, a woman was killed after around 40 centimeters of snow fell on the city.
Despite the hazards, the rare sight of snow blanketing Paris drew residents and tourists outdoors, offering moments of respite amid a week marked by disruption and danger.