Snowstorms and Icy Conditions Disrupt Europe

In Paris, amidst the winter white, individuals traversed the Eiffel Tower grounds on a chilly Wednesday, January 7, 2026.

SCHIPHOL, Netherlands — Over a thousand passengers were stranded overnight at Amsterdam’s main airport due to the snow and ice barrage affecting vast sections of Europe. The severe weather disrupted numerous flights, highways, and railways on Wednesday.

Paris observed unusual sights, such as a skier gliding along the Seine's snow-covered banks, while vehicles struggled through snowy roads near iconic locations like the Eiffel Tower and Louvre Museum.

Travel Disruptions in Amsterdam

At Schiphol Airport, field beds were arranged for exhausted travelers awaiting rescheduling of their flights. With efforts to clear runways ongoing, approximately 800 flights were annulled.

Sonja Wurmlingel, attempting to return to Argentina, faced continuous travel uncertainties. Additionally, her re-routing options through Düsseldorf and Paris were thwarted, potentially leaving a train journey as the next hope.

KLM, the national airline, noted that passenger congestion decreased because many were preemptively informed about flight cancellations.

Transportation Challenges in France

Northern and western regions of France, predominantly around Paris, remained under plenty of snow. Authorities urged remote working and minimized road travel usage, particularly banning trucks and school buses from specific routes.

At Paris Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports, numerous flights faced cancellations, while France’s SNCF railway experienced significant delays due to snow impacting track operations. Eurostar services also faced hold-ups.

Wintry Conditions Extend to Sweden and Beyond

Even northern countries familiar with harsh winters reported significant adversity. In Sweden’s Göteborg, tram services were discontinued because snow buildup jeopardized safe passage.

Finnish capital Helsinki also grappled with vehicular issues, as bus operations confronted delays due to severe cold impacting diesel vehicles.