- Flight Disruptions
- Thousands Stranded Across Europe as 2,291 Flights Delayed and 63 Canceled
Thousands Stranded Across Europe as 2,291 Flights Delayed and 63 Canceled
Check how much the airline owes you.
It's free and takes 2 minutes.
May qualify for compensation
Checked by Matteo Floris
Last updated on 21 January 2026
2,354
Affected flights
3
Affected airlines
2,354
Affected flights
3
Affected airlines
What Happened
Travel across Europe has been disrupted by significant flight problems, leaving thousands of passengers stranded. 2,291 flights were delayed and 63 flights canceled. The disruption impacted key carriers in France, Turkey, Switzerland, UK, Germany, Italy, Spain, Russia, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Portugal. Airlines including Lufthansa, easyJet, and Brussels Airlines were among those most affected.
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.
Get flight compensation
free compensation check
fast & risk-free
highest success rate
Flight Disruption Details
A major travel disruption has impacted thousands of airline passengers throughout Europe. Across multiple countries including France, Turkey, Switzerland, the UK, Germany, Italy, Spain, Russia, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Portugal, a total of 2,291 flights were delayed and 63 flights canceled. The event left thousands of travelers stranded. Airlines directly named in the disruption include Lufthansa, easyJet, and Brussels Airlines, among others.
No specific reasons for the delays and cancellations were detailed. The disruption affected both departures and arrivals across a wide network of European airports. Although the precise start and end dates for the operational difficulties were not disclosed, the effects on air travel were considerable, with passengers facing significant challenges around planning and continuing their journeys.
Affected travelers are encouraged to check with their specific airlines regarding rescheduling or alternative arrangements. The full scale of airport involvement and the identities of all airlines and affected routes were not specified. Official responses from the airlines highlighted in the disruption had not been published at the time of reporting.
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
Unknown
Status
Current disruption
Compensation
May qualify for compensation
Flights affected
2354
Airlines affected
Lufthansa, easyJet, Brussels Airlines
Checked by
Matteo Floris
Date updated
21 January 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.
