A massive cold snap has swept across Europe, blanketing large parts of the continent in snow and ice, leading to widespread travel chaos. Major flight hubs, roads, and rail lines have been severely impacted, but not everyone is letting the snow get them down!
Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport, one of Europe’s busiest, bore the brunt of the disruption. Over a thousand travelers were forced to spend the night there as hundreds of flights were cancelled. Airport staff worked tirelessly, setting up camp beds, providing blankets, food, and drink for the unexpected overnight guests. It was an “exceptional situation,” according to a spokesperson. Across the Netherlands, schools shut and people were urged to work from home.
Paris wasn’t spared either. Storm Goretti brought heavy snow to the French capital, causing around 140 flight cancellations at Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports. Public bus services ground to a halt due to icy roads, though most metro lines kept running. French authorities described the cold snap as being of “rare intensity for the season,” warning against unnecessary travel. Tragically, five road deaths were reported in France.
Yet, amid the disruption, Parisians and tourists found joy in the rare snowy scene. People grabbed skis, sledges, and even plastic bags to slide down the slopes of Montmartre and the Champs de Mars. “It’s exceptional, it’s incredible. It’s magnificent and we’re enjoying it,” one local beamed.
Beyond France and the Netherlands, the winter weather caused issues across the continent. Spain saw commuter rail lines suspended and roads disrupted. In Croatia, passengers were trapped on a train for over 12 hours. Power and water cuts hit parts of Bosnia and Serbia, while schools closed in Poland, and highways were clogged in Hungary.
From stranded travelers to snowy escapades, this European cold snap certainly brought a mix of challenges and unique winter experiences.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jan/07/amsterdam-airport-cancels-flights-amid-icy-conditions
