Over 300 Flights Cancelled and Delayed at Heathrow, Schiphol, Charles de Gaulle

Key Takeaways

• Over 545 flights disrupted at Heathrow, Schiphol, Charles de Gaulle, Frankfurt, and Munich airports since mid-June 2025.
• Flight disruptions caused by bad weather, Middle East airspace restrictions, and surge in post-pandemic travel demand.
• EU passengers may claim up to €600 compensation under Regulation 261/2004 for qualifying delays or cancellations.

Over 500 Flights Disrupted at Major European Airports: What Travelers Need to Know

In the past week, travelers passing through some of Europe’s busiest airports—London Heathrow, Amsterdam Schiphol, and Paris Charles de Gaulle—have faced a wave of flight cancellations and delays. More than 300 flights have been canceled and over 260 delayed, affecting thousands of passengers and causing widespread confusion. Airlines such as Air France, American Airlines, Oman Air, Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, Emirates, and United Airlines have all been hit hard. The disruptions are the result of a mix of bad weather, airspace restrictions due to ongoing geopolitical tensions, and a sharp rise in travel demand since the pandemic.

This article explains what’s happening, why it matters, and what steps affected travelers should take. We’ll also look at the rights of passengers, the official responses from airlines and airports, and what to expect in the coming weeks.

What’s Happening: The Scope of the Disruption

Since mid-June 2025, London Heathrow, Amsterdam Schiphol, and Paris Charles de Gaulle have all reported severe operational problems. According to official data, these three airports alone saw a combined total of 283 flight cancellations and 262 delays in just one week. Other major hubs, including Frankfurt and Munich, have also been affected, with dozens of additional cancellations and delays.

Airlines most affected include:
– Air France
– British Airways
– KLM
– Lufthansa
– Qatar Airways
– Emirates
– United Airlines
– American Airlines

Recent examples of canceled flights:
– Air France AF928 (Paris–Pointe Noire) and AF1564 (Paris–Birmingham) on June 12, 2025
– British Airways BA179 (Heathrow–JFK) and BA176 (JFK–Heathrow) on June 7, 2025
– KLM KL1574 (Oporto–Amsterdam) and KL918 (Aberdeen–Amsterdam) on June 16, 2025

Airport-by-airport breakdown:

Why Are So Many Flights Being Canceled or Delayed?

Several factors have come together to create what aviation experts call a “perfect storm”:

1. Bad Weather:
Low visibility, mist, fog, and heavy rain have made it difficult for flights to land and take off safely, especially at busy hub airports like Heathrow and Schiphol.

2. Airspace Restrictions:
Ongoing tensions in the Middle East, especially the Israel-Iran conflict, have forced airlines to avoid certain airspace. This means longer flight paths, more fuel, and sometimes last-minute changes or cancellations. Emirates and Qatar Airways, for example, have suspended or rerouted flights to some regions until at least June 30, 2025.

3. Surge in Travel Demand:
After years of pandemic restrictions, more people are flying again. Passenger numbers in Europe are now close to or even above pre-pandemic levels. Airports and airlines are struggling to keep up, especially with ongoing staff shortages.

4. Knock-on Effects:
When one flight is delayed or canceled, it can cause problems for other flights. Planes and crews may not be in the right place at the right time, leading to further disruptions.

How Are Airlines and Airports Responding?

Airlines:
Most airlines have issued public statements and travel advisories. They urge passengers to check their flight status before heading to the airport. Air France, Emirates, and Qatar Airways have all acknowledged the disruptions, blaming both operational and geopolitical factors. Airlines are offering rebooking, refunds, or vouchers for affected passengers.

Airports:
Heathrow, Schiphol, and Charles de Gaulle have brought in extra staff to help manage crowds and keep things moving. They are working closely with airlines to adjust schedules and reduce congestion.

Regulators:
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and national aviation authorities are watching the situation closely. They have not issued new travel bans but continue to update airlines about airspace safety.

What Does This Mean for Passengers?

Thousands of travelers have faced:
– Missed connections
– Long waits at airports
– Overnight delays
– Unexpected diversions (for example, flights from the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 to the Middle East being rerouted to Istanbul, Bahrain, or Cairo)

If your flight is affected, here’s what you should do:

Step-by-Step Guide for Affected Passengers

1. Check Your Flight Status
Always check your airline’s website or the airport’s official site for the latest updates. Flight schedules can change quickly.

2. Contact Your Airline
If your flight is canceled or delayed, reach out to your airline as soon as possible. They can help you with rebooking, refunds, or compensation.

3. Know Your Rights
Under EU Regulation 261/2004, passengers flying from or to an EU airport may be entitled to compensation of up to €600 per person for cancellations or long delays, unless the problem was caused by “extraordinary circumstances” like severe weather or airspace closures.

4. File a Compensation Claim
If you believe you are eligible, submit a claim directly with your airline. You can also use third-party services if you need help. Keep all your travel documents and receipts.

5. Arrange Alternative Travel
If your flight is canceled, airlines must offer you a new flight or a full refund. Sometimes, they may also cover hotel stays or meals if you are stranded.

6. Document Everything
Save all emails, receipts, and records of expenses. This will help if you need to make a claim later.

For more information about your rights as an air passenger in the European Union, you can visit the official EU Passenger Rights page.

What Are Airlines Saying?

Air France, Emirates, and Qatar Airways have all made public statements about the ongoing disruptions. They point to a mix of bad weather, airspace restrictions, and high demand as the main reasons for the problems. Airlines are working to adjust schedules daily and are offering flexible rebooking options.

Emirates and Qatar Airways have both suspended or rerouted flights to certain regions until at least June 30, 2025, due to safety concerns in Middle Eastern airspace.

Air France has canceled several flights, including AF928 (Paris–Pointe Noire) and AF1564 (Paris–Birmingham), and is advising passengers to check their flight status regularly.

What Are the Official Numbers?

According to the latest data:
– Heathrow: 26 cancellations, 15 delays
– Schiphol: 21 cancellations, 15 delays
– Charles de Gaulle: 19 cancellations, 19 delays
– Frankfurt: 54 cancellations, 20 delays
– Munich: 39 cancellations, 10 delays

In total, 545 flights were affected across these airports in just one week.

What Do the Experts Say?

Aviation analysts say the disruptions are the result of several problems happening at the same time. The surge in travel after the pandemic, ongoing staff shortages, bad weather, and geopolitical tensions have all played a part.

Airline executives point out that rerouting flights around closed airspace is very complicated. It can mean longer flights, more fuel, and sometimes the need to cancel flights altogether.

Passenger advocacy groups remind travelers to know their rights and to claim compensation when possible. They say airlines do not always pay out unless passengers ask for it.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, many travelers are not aware of the compensation they can claim under EU law, and some airlines may delay or resist payouts unless passengers press their case.

Background: Why Is This Happening Now?

Pandemic Recovery:
After years of travel restrictions, people are eager to fly again. Passenger numbers in Europe have bounced back quickly, putting pressure on airports and airlines that are still rebuilding their staff and resources.

Geopolitical Tensions:
The conflict between Israel and Iran has led to airspace closures in the Middle East. This affects many flights between Europe and Asia, forcing airlines to take longer routes or cancel flights altogether.

Weather:
Unusually poor weather across northern Europe has made things worse, especially at airports with tight schedules.

What Are the Long-Term Effects?

Short-Term:
Disruptions are likely to continue through at least the end of June 2025, especially for flights that cross Middle Eastern airspace or during periods of bad weather.

Long-Term:
Airlines and airports are investing in better staffing, improved communication with passengers, and new plans to handle future disruptions. Regulators are reviewing current rules and may update guidance on airspace safety and passenger rights.

No major new laws or rules have been announced yet, but ongoing reviews by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency and national authorities could lead to changes in the future.

What Should Travelers Do Next?

If you have a flight booked with Air France, Emirates, Qatar Airways, or any other airline operating out of Heathrow, Schiphol, or Charles de Gaulle, here’s what you should do:

• Check your flight status regularly on the airline’s website or the airport’s official site.
• Sign up for alerts from your airline to get real-time updates.
• Have a backup plan in case your flight is delayed or canceled.
• Keep all your travel documents and receipts in case you need to make a claim.
• Know your rights under EU law and don’t be afraid to ask for compensation if you’re eligible.

Official Resources for Travelers

• Heathrow Airport: Official flight status and passenger information
• Amsterdam Schiphol: Flight status and compensation claim portals
• Paris Charles de Gaulle: Flight status and Air France customer service
• EU Passenger Rights: Information on compensation and complaints

Compensation: What Are You Entitled To?

Under EU Regulation 261/2004, if your flight is canceled or delayed by more than three hours, you may be entitled to:
– Up to €600 per person in compensation (unless the delay was caused by extraordinary circumstances)
– A new flight or a full refund
– Meals, refreshments, and hotel accommodation if you are stranded overnight

To claim compensation, you will need:
– Your flight details (booking reference, flight number, date)
– Proof of delay or cancellation (emails, texts, or official notices)
– Receipts for any extra expenses (meals, hotels, transport)

You can file a claim directly with your airline or use a third-party service if you need help. Airlines are required by law to respond to your claim, but the process can take time.

Real-Life Scenarios: How Are Passengers Affected?

Example 1:
A family traveling from Paris to Birmingham with Air France had their flight (AF1564) canceled at the last minute. They were offered a new flight the next day and a hotel stay. They also filed a claim for compensation under EU law.

Example 2:
A business traveler flying from Heathrow to New York with British Airways missed an important meeting due to a canceled flight (BA179). The airline offered a refund or a new flight, but the traveler also claimed compensation for the delay.

Example 3:
A student flying from Amsterdam to Doha with Qatar Airways had their flight rerouted due to airspace closures. The journey took several hours longer than planned, but the airline provided meals and updates throughout the delay.

What About Immigration and Visa Issues?

For travelers needing to change flights or routes, it’s important to check visa requirements for any new countries you may pass through. For example, if your flight is rerouted through Istanbul or Cairo, you may need a transit visa depending on your nationality. Always check with the embassy or consulate of the country you will be transiting through.

If you need to change your travel plans due to a canceled or delayed flight, contact your airline and check official government websites for the latest visa and entry requirements.

Looking Ahead: Will Things Get Better Soon?

Experts expect that flight cancellations and delays will continue at least until the end of June 2025, especially for routes affected by Middle Eastern airspace restrictions or bad weather. Airlines and airports are working to improve their systems and communication, but travelers should be prepared for possible changes to their plans.

Key Takeaways:
– Check your flight status often
– Know your rights under EU law
– Keep all travel documents and receipts
– Be ready for possible delays or changes
– Use official resources for the latest information

For the most up-to-date information, always check your airline’s website, the airport’s official site, and government travel advisories before you travel.

By staying informed and knowing your rights, you can reduce the stress of travel disruptions and make sure you get the help and compensation you deserve.

Learn Today

Flight Cancellation → When an airline officially stops a scheduled flight from operating as planned.
Airspace Restrictions → Rules limiting flights over certain geographic areas due to security or political reasons.
EU Regulation 261/2004 → European law protecting passengers’ rights for flight delays and cancellations, including compensation.
Rebooking → The process of changing a passenger’s flight reservation due to cancellations or delays.
Compensation Claim → A passenger’s request to an airline for payment following flight disruption under legal rights.

This Article in a Nutshell

Major European airports have faced over 500 flight cancellations and delays due to weather, geopolitical tensions, and rising travel. Passengers should check flights regularly, know their EU rights, and prepare for ongoing disruptions through June 2025.
— By VisaVerge.com