Travelers across Europe are facing major disruptions today as KLM and British Airways announce widespread flight cancellations and delays. The issue? Surprisingly, it’s not a storm or heavy snow, but light rain, which has caused operational challenges at some of the busiest airports in the UK, Spain, the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, and beyond.
Though light rain may sound minor, the reduced visibility and slippery runways have slowed down airport operations, forcing airlines to cancel or delay dozens of flights to prioritize passenger safety.
Flight Disruptions Affecting KLM
Dutch flag carrier KLM has been hit particularly hard, with multiple Europe-bound flights canceled between today and tomorrow. Some of the affected routes include:
- Southampton (SOU) → Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) – Cancelled
- Austin, Texas (KAUS) → Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) – Cancelled
- Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) → Milan Linate (LIN) – Cancelled
- Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) → Hamburg (HAM) – Cancelled
- Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) → Geneva (GVA) – Cancelled
- Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) → London Heathrow (LHR) – Cancelled
In total, around 8 KLM flights (1%) have been called off so far, with more impacted by delays across Amsterdam Schiphol, one of Europe’s busiest hubs.
British Airways Cancellations
British Airways is also struggling with the adverse conditions, affecting travelers heading to and from the UK and Spain. Cancelled flights today include:
- London Heathrow (LHR) → Palma de Mallorca (PMI) – Cancelled
- Palma de Mallorca (PMI) → London Heathrow (LHR) – Cancelled (multiple departures)
- London Heathrow (LHR) → Barcelona (BCN) – Cancelled
- Barcelona (BCN) → London Heathrow (LHR) – Cancelled
Altogether, 7 British Airways flights have been canceled, with an additional 17 reporting delays (around 2%).
Why Light Rain Can Disrupt Flights
While it might seem surprising, even light rainfall can throw airline schedules into chaos:
- Reduced Visibility → Pilots require greater spacing between flights during takeoff and landing for safety.
- Slippery Runways → Wet surfaces can increase landing risks, forcing delays.
- Ground Delays → Tasks like baggage loading, refueling, and aircraft prep take longer in wet conditions.
These small factors combined create a snowball effect across major airports, making it difficult to keep flights running on schedule.
The Impact on Tourism and Business Travelers
The cancellations are already rippling across the tourism and business travel sectors:
- Tourists heading to hotspots like Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, and Geneva are seeing their holiday plans upended. Hotels, restaurants, and resorts may face last-minute cancellations, impacting local economies.
- Business travelers are experiencing missed meetings and delayed conferences, especially in key hubs like London and Amsterdam, where timely connectivity is critical for global business.
What Affected Travelers Should Do
If you’re booked with KLM or British Airways today, here’s how to deal with disruptions:
✅ Check Flight Status Regularly: Use the airline’s website or app for real-time updates.
✅ Rebook Quickly: Most airlines are waiving rebooking fees for weather-related cancellations.
✅ Know Your Rights: Depending on your route, you may qualify for compensation such as hotel stays, meal vouchers, or partial refunds.
✅ Pack Essentials: Long delays at airports are possible—carry snacks, water, entertainment, and chargers.
✅ Consider Travel Insurance: Check if your policy covers weather-related cancellations for added peace of mind.
Final Thoughts
Today’s disruptions from KLM and British Airways show how even light rain can cause widespread flight cancellations across Europe. From the UK to Spain, the Netherlands, Germany, and Switzerland, thousands of travelers are dealing with altered schedules.
While cancellations are inconvenient, both airlines emphasize that passenger safety remains the top priority. Travelers are encouraged to stay updated, rebook early, and explore compensation options where available.
If you’re flying in or out of Europe this week, keep an eye on your flight updates, pack with delays in mind, and plan ahead for a smoother travel experience.
