A powerful winter weather system sweeping across northern Europe, combined with a 24-hour strike by Italian air-traffic and ground-handling staff, caused more than 59 flight cancellations and 392 delays on 27 February. Paris Charles-de-Gaulle (CDG) was one of the worst-affected hubs, with Air France concentrating cancellations on short-haul services to protect its long-haul network. (thetraveler.org)
Runway de-icing and slot reductions led to rolling delays, prompting Lufthansa, easyJet and SAS to trim intra-European frequencies. Passengers reported queues snaking the length of Terminal 2E as rebooking desks struggled with aircraft and crew out of position. Knock-on delays spread to rail and road links serving the airport.
![Snowstorms and Italian strikes trigger wave of flight cancellations at Paris-CDG]()
Travellers suddenly facing reroutes through unfamiliar airports should also double-check entry requirements. VisaHQ’s online platform (https://www.visahq.com/france/) can expedite Schengen or transit visas on short notice, guiding users through documentation and embassy appointments so last-minute itinerary changes don’t strand them at the border.
Airlines have invoked EU261 duty-of-care rules, offering hotel rooms and flexible rebooking. However, compensation may be limited because severe weather is classed as an “extraordinary circumstance”. Corporate travel managers are advising employees to accept reroutings with longer layovers or to switch to rail where possible.
With further snow bands forecast and Italian unions threatening additional walk-outs, network planners warn that residual disruption could linger for several days. The episode underscores the need for contingency plans that pair air and high-speed-rail options for urgent trips between France and neighbouring markets. (thetraveler.org)
Runway de-icing and slot reductions led to rolling delays, prompting Lufthansa, easyJet and SAS to trim intra-European frequencies. Passengers reported queues snaking the length of Terminal 2E as rebooking desks struggled with aircraft and crew out of position. Knock-on delays spread to rail and road links serving the airport.
Travellers suddenly facing reroutes through unfamiliar airports should also double-check entry requirements. VisaHQ’s online platform (https://www.visahq.com/france/) can expedite Schengen or transit visas on short notice, guiding users through documentation and embassy appointments so last-minute itinerary changes don’t strand them at the border.
Airlines have invoked EU261 duty-of-care rules, offering hotel rooms and flexible rebooking. However, compensation may be limited because severe weather is classed as an “extraordinary circumstance”. Corporate travel managers are advising employees to accept reroutings with longer layovers or to switch to rail where possible.
With further snow bands forecast and Italian unions threatening additional walk-outs, network planners warn that residual disruption could linger for several days. The episode underscores the need for contingency plans that pair air and high-speed-rail options for urgent trips between France and neighbouring markets. (thetraveler.org)
