- Flight Disruptions
- Europe: 2,219 delays and 39 cancellations on 5 Feb; Ryanair and Aer Lingus among affected
Europe: 2,219 delays and 39 cancellations on 5 Feb; Ryanair and Aer Lingus among affected
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Checked by Alice Mariscotti-Wyatt
Last updated on 6 February 2026
2,258
Affected flights
4
Affected airports
2
Affected airlines
What Happened
Europe experienced widespread disruption on 5 February, with 2,219 flight delays and 39 cancellations attributed to harsh winter weather and air traffic control staffing shortages. Ryanair and Aer Lingus were among the carriers affected, with knock-on impacts from hubs including Amsterdam Schiphol, Paris–Charles de Gaulle, and Frankfurt. Average departure delays for flights in transit exceeded 50 minutes, and Ryanair warned cascading delays could continue for up to 48 hours. Weather was expected to normalize by the weekend, though further structural issues could cause repeat events.
Passengers affected by this flight disruption may be eligible for compensation of up to €600 under passenger rights regulations. Eligibility depends on the circumstances of the disruption.
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Flight Disruption Details
Europe faced significant flight disruption on 5 February, with 2,219 delays and 39 cancellations reported. The disruption was driven by a combination of harsh winter weather and staffing shortages within air traffic control networks.
Ryanair and Aer Lingus were among the most impacted airlines, with delays spreading through their operations from key continental hubs including Amsterdam Schiphol, Paris–Charles de Gaulle, and Frankfurt. While only a limited number of flights to and from Dublin were cancelled, schedule reliability deteriorated, and average departure delays for flights in transit exceeded 50 minutes.
Business travellers were notably affected, including those heading to Frankfurt for financial roadshows and Amsterdam for technology conferences, with many forced to rebook to next-day services. The tight aircraft rotation model used by some carriers, including Ryanair’s 25-minute turnarounds, heightened the risk of ongoing knock-on delays. Ryanair warned that the cascading effects could persist for up to 48 hours due to the interdependence of crew duty limits and aircraft positioning.
To support passengers facing urgent itinerary changes, VisaHQ highlighted the importance of up-to-date travel documentation and promoted its Ireland portal for rapid visa checks, digital applications, and courier options for transit or short-stay visas. Ryanair advised customers to use its app for real-time rebooking and free date changes, while corporate travel managers were encouraged to activate duty-of-care tracking and virtual meeting contingencies.
The disruption extended to cargo flows, particularly for Irish exporters moving time-sensitive pharmaceuticals and technology components. With belly-hold capacity constrained, some freight was rerouted via overnight trucking to Brussels for onward air transport.
Met Éireann indicated that weather conditions were expected to normalize by the weekend. However, analysts cautioned that without structural improvements, similar multi-factor disruptions could recur. Travellers with near-term itineraries should monitor airline communications closely and make use of provided rebooking tools.
Know your rights
These are your air passenger rights
When your flight's disrupted, you have rights. Most passenger protection laws cover the following:
Rerouting or refund
If your flight is canceled, your airline must provide an alternative. Some laws say you can choose a full refund instead.
Food and essential care
Providing food and drinks is a basic right under many regulations. Typically after a delay of a few hours.
Accommodation
Some passenger rights say the airline must provide accommodation when your journey is delayed overnight.
Compensation
Good passenger rights ensure passengers get fairly compensated for delays and cancellations. Try our compensation check and find out how much money we can get you.
This advice is provided to help you if your flight is delayed or canceled. However, the exact care and compensation you are entitled to will depend on your specific circumstances and flight. Always follow the directions of your airline, particularly with regard to check-in and boarding times.
Quick facts
Summary
Disruption
Delays and Cancellations
Cause
Weather issue
Status
Past disruption
Compensation
May qualify for compensation
Flights affected
2258
Airlines affected
Ryanair, Aer Lingus
Airports affected
Amsterdam Schiphol, Paris–Charles de Gaulle, Frankfurt, Dublin
Start date
2026-02-05
Checked by
Alice Mariscotti-Wyatt
Date updated
6 February 2026
What To Do If Your Flight Is Cancelled
If you're traveling to or from the European Union, here's what to do when your flight is unexpectedly scrubbed:
Gather evidence that your flight was delayed, canceled, or overbooked.
Get the airline to provide written confirmation of the disruption and the reason behind it.
Request an alternative flight to your destination — or a refund if you no longer wish to travel.
Make a note of the arrival time at your final destination.
Ask the airline to provide vouchers for meals and refreshments.
Avoid signing documents or accepting offers that may waive your passenger rights.
If an overnight stay is required, ask the airline to provide accommodation.
Save receipts for any additional expenses caused by the disruption.
