Amsterdam Schiphol Airport was thrown into chaos as dense fog wreaked havoc on flight schedules, disrupting travel plans for thousands. Major airlines like KLM, Air France, British Airways, Swiss, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, Austrian Airlines, Korean Air, Malaysian Airlines, and SAS were among those hit hardest, with over 250 flights canceled or delayed. Passengers faced long waits and last-minute changes as the airport and airlines scrambled to manage the fog-induced disruption. This unforeseen weather challenge not only impacted operations at one of Europe’s busiest airports but also caused ripple effects across global air travel.
Travelers passing through Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) had a day they won’t soon forget. Dense fog caused 40 flight cancellations and 233 delays, as reported by FlightAware, throwing schedules into chaos and leaving passengers waiting for updates. Airlines worked overtime to manage the mess, but the ripple effects were felt across Europe and beyond.
Let’s take a closer look at the airlines impacted and how travelers coped.
Top Airlines Hit by Disruptions
Here are some of the major airlines affected by the cancellations and delays at Schiphol:
Delayed: 2 flights (200% of its operations).
KLM
- Canceled: 35 flights (5% of its operations).
- Delayed: 118 flights (19% of its operations).
Swiss Air
- Delayed: 7% of its operations.
Air France
- Delayed: 5 flights (25% of its operations).
British Airways
- Delayed: 6 flights (31% of its operations).
Delta Airlines
- Delayed: 5 flights (17% of its operations).
Lufthansa
- Delayed: 6 flights (16% of its operations).
Austrian Airlines
- Delayed: 1 flight (50% of its schedule).
Etihad Airways
- Delayed: 1 flight (25% of its operations).
Qatar Airways
- Delayed: 1 flight (11% of its operations).
Malaysian Airlines
- Delayed: 1 flight (100% of its operations).
SAS (Scandinavian Airlines)
- Delayed: 3 flights (33% of its operations).
Finnair
- Delayed: 1 flight (25% of its operations).
Korean Air
- Delayed: 2 flights (200% of its operations).
What Happened?
The trouble started early in the day when dense fog rolled into the region, drastically reducing visibility. This made it unsafe for planes to take off or land on schedule. Schiphol is no stranger to handling large volumes of traffic, but the fog brought things to a near standstill, causing a domino effect of delays and cancellations.
Passengers were left waiting in crowded terminals, refreshing their apps for updates and lining up at service counters. For some, connecting flights were missed, turning quick stopovers into all-day ordeals.
KLM Takes the Hardest Hit
Unsurprisingly, KLM, Schiphol’s largest airline, was the most affected. With 35 canceled flights and 118 delays, the carrier had to scramble to rebook passengers and manage the chaos. Travelers reported long lines at customer service desks, but KLM’s app and digital tools helped many reschedule their plans without waiting in line.
Other airlines, like British Airways, Delta, Swiss Air, and Lufthansa, also dealt with delays. Long-haul carriers like Qatar Airways, Etihad, and Malaysian Airlines weren’t spared either, showing how far-reaching the disruptions were.
Full list of Delays and Cancelations:
Here’s how the airlines were affected. It’s quite the list:
| Airline | Canceled Flights | Delayed Flights |
|---|---|---|
| KLM | 35 (5%) | 118 (19%) |
| British Airways | 0 (0%) | 6 (31%) |
| Austrian Airlines | 0 (0%) | 1 (50%) |
| SAS | 0 (0%) | 3 (33%) |
| Delta Airlines | 0 (0%) | 5 (17%) |
| Lufthansa | 0 (0%) | 6 (16%) |
| Swiss Air | 0 (0%) | 1 (7%) |
| Finnair | 0 (0%) | 1 (25%) |
| Qatar Airways | 0 (0%) | 1 (11%) |
| Etihad Airways | 0 (0%) | 1 (25%) |
| Korean Air | 0 (0%) | 2 (200%) |
| Malaysian Airlines | 0 (0%) | 1 (100%) |
| Air France | 0 (0%) | 5 (25%) |
How Travelers Coped
If there’s one thing that stands out in situations like these, it’s the patience and resilience of travelers. Yes, there were some frayed nerves and frustration, but there were also plenty of moments of kindness.
Passengers shared phone chargers, snacks, and even travel tips while waiting. Some struck up conversations with strangers, bonding over the shared experience of being stuck.
One traveler heading to New York with Delta Airlines said:
“It was a frustrating morning, but seeing how hard the staff worked to help us made it easier to stay calm. Plus, I met some great people while waiting!”
Airport staff also went the extra mile, guiding passengers to alternative flights and doing their best to keep tempers in check.
What Can We Learn?
If you’re traveling soon, here are some lessons from this foggy fiasco:
- Check your flight status. Weather can change quickly, and delays might not be announced until the last minute.
- Pack smart. Always bring snacks, a fully charged phone, and something to keep you entertained—just in case.
- Be patient. Remember, airline staff are doing their best to help everyone, including you.
Moving Forward
As the fog lifts, Schiphol is working hard to get back on schedule, and airlines are doing everything they can to help passengers affected by delays and cancellations. For now, though, travelers are left with stories to tell—some frustrating, others heartwarming.
While days like this test the patience of everyone involved, they also show the resilience of travelers and the dedication of airport staff. Let’s hope for clear skies and smoother journeys ahead!
So, if you’re planning to fly out of Schiphol, keep an eye on the weather, check your flight status, and pack a little extra patience. After all, travel is all about the journey—and sometimes the unexpected detours.
The post KLM, Air France, British, Swiss, Lufthansa, Qatar, Austrian, Korean Air, Malaysian, SAS and More Face Travel Disruptions at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport as Dense Fog Cancels and Delays Over 250 Flights appeared first on Travel And Tour World.January 16, 2025 at 10:28PM.jpeg){kind=small}
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