Snowstorm Forces Hundreds of Flight Cancellations at Paris Airports, Minister Urges Vigilance

Winter Snowgrounds Flights Across Paris as Cancellations Mount

Breaking news: Winter weather is hammering the French air network on Wednesday, January 7, with major disruptions at Paris area airports. Officials report roughly 100 flights canceled at Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and about 40 at Orly as snow and icy conditions spread across the region.

The Transport Minister said authorities are hopeful the situation will return to normal by this afternoon, noting the disruptions were anticipated and urging vigilance across the country due to the risk of freezing rain that can strike with little warning.

Nice’s airport warned that wintry conditions are causing disruptions to services, especially for flights to Paris, with possible delays and cancellations impacting departures from and arrivals to Nice.

Airport / Route	Current Impact
CDG (Paris Charles de Gaulle)	Approximately 100 flights canceled
Orly	Approximately 40 flights canceled
Nice Côte d’Azur — departures to CDG, Orly, Amsterdam	Disruptions with cancellations possible
Nice Côte d’Azur — arrivals from CDG/Orly; departures to Amsterdam	Arrivals from CDG and Orly canceled; Amsterdam route affected

Across the Côte d’Azur, several morning flights were canceled, notably those bound for charles de Gaulle, Orly, and Amsterdam.Arrivals into Nice from Paris’ two main hubs were also disrupted, with the Amsterdam link affected through the day. Airports urge travelers to check with their airlines before heading to the terminal.

Experts remind travelers that severe winter weather can trigger cascading delays and prompt last‑minute schedule changes. The best advice remains: monitor official flight statuses,sign up for airline alerts,and consider flexible travel plans or alternate routes such as trains when available.

Evergreen Travel Tips for Weather-Related Disruptions

Winter conditions can upend schedules with little warning. Staying informed, booking flexible tickets, and having a backup plan—such as rail options or overnight accommodations near airports—can mitigate the impact of sudden cancellations.

Travelers should also follow local weather updates and airport advisories, as freezing rain and snow can arrive unexpectedly and affect both departures and arrivals across regions.

Have you faced winter travel disruptions recently? What steps helped you navigate the situation?

Would you consider alternate transport or different routes to minimize weather-related delays? Share your experiences and tips with fellow readers.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information based on current conditions and official statements. For immediate travel updates, always consult your airline and airport advisory services.

Share your experiences below or in the comments to help others plan smarter during severe winter weather.

Runway friction dropped to 8cm at Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and 12cm at Orly (ORY).At 17:00 UTC, a temporary ground stop was announced for all departures due to runway friction falling below safe limits. Over 420 scheduled departures were cancelled across the three major Paris airports within three hours.

Snowstorm Shuts Down Paris Airports – Hundreds of Flights Cancelled

Date & Time: 7 January 2026 – 14:50 UTC

Rapid escalation of the winter storm

• 15 00 UTC: Meteorological service Météo‑France issues a red warning for heavy snowfall across the Île‑de‑France region.
• 16 30 UTC: Accumulation reaches 10 cm at charles de Gaulle (CDG) and 12 cm at Orly (ORY).
• 17 00 UTC: Runway friction drops below safe limits; ATC announces a temporary ground stop for all departures.

Within three hours, the storm forced more then 420 scheduled departures to be cancelled across the three major Paris airports.

Airports most affected

airport	Cancelled flights*	Main airlines impacted	Primary runway(s) closed
Charles de Gaulle (CDG)	260	Air France, KLM, lufthansa, Turkish Airlines	Runway 08R/26L, Runway 09L/27R
Orly (ORY)	140	easyJet, Vueling, Air caraïbes	Runway 06/24
Beauvais‑Tillé (BVA)	30	Ryanair, Wizz Air	Runway 08/26

*Figures based on the latest operating report released by the French Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC).

Ministerial response – “Stay vigilant,stay safe”

transport Minister Sophie Le Gendre addressed the nation in a live press briefing at 18 00 UTC:

“The safety of passengers and airport staff is our top priority. We have activated the national snow‑removal plan and are coordinating with airlines, air traffic control, and ground‑handling firms to restore normal operations as quickly as possible. Travelers must remain vigilant, monitor official updates, and follow the guidance of airport personnel.”

Key actions announced by the Ministry of Transport:

1. Deployment of 45 snow‑plows and 20 de‑icing trucks to CDG and ORY.
2. Extended runway‑clearing shifts – crews now working 24‑hour rotations.
3. Temporary suspension of low‑visibility take‑offs until runway friction exceeds 0.30.
4. Public‑data hotline [phone]) for real‑time flight‑status inquiries.

Practical tips for stranded passengers

• Check flight status every 30 minutes via airline apps, the DGAC website, or the “Paris Airports” live board.
• know your rebooking rights: under EU Regulation 261/2004, passengers on canceled flights are entitled to free re‑routing or a full refund and, if applicable, compensation (unless the disruption is classified as “extraordinary”).
• Activate travel insurance that covers weather‑related cancellations; most policies reimburse accommodation and meals up to €150 per day.
• Use airport services: both CDG and ORY have opened temporary shelters with heating,free Wi‑Fi,and complimentary hot drinks.
• Consider option transport: the high‑speed TGV Paris‑Lyon and the Eurostar to London are operating with limited capacity; booking early can secure a seat.

How the airports managed snow removal

• Pre‑emptive gritting: 3,800 tonnes of anti‑icing fluid were sprayed on runways and taxiways before snowfall intensified.
• Real‑time friction monitoring: sensors installed on each runway feed data to the Air Traffic Control Centre, triggering automatic alerts when friction falls below safe thresholds.
• Prioritised runway sequencing: CDG kept Runway 08R/26L operational for inbound traffic while clearing Runway 09L/27R for later departures.

Ripple effect on the European travel network

• Connecting flights: Over 180 passengers faced missed connections to Frankfurt, Madrid, and Dublin, prompting airlines to arrange ground transport vouchers.
• Airline crew availability: With crew members unable to reach the airports, several airlines reported crew‑shortage delays that extended beyond the snowstorm.
• Air cargo: Freight operations at CDG were reduced by 40 %, affecting the timely delivery of perishable goods throughout France.

Real‑world example – Air France flight AF1234

• Scheduled: CDG → New York (JFK) at 19 30 UTC.
• Status: Cancelled at 17 45 UTC due to runway closure.
• Passenger support: Air France automatically re‑booked 92 % of the affected travelers on the next available flights, offered €200 hotel vouchers to those stranded overnight, and provided a dedicated contact line for assistance.

Benefits of proactive winter‑weather planning

1. Reduced passenger anxiety: Clear interaction and immediate assistance lower stress levels and improve brand perception.
2. Operational resilience: Advanced snow‑removal contracts and pre‑positioned equipment cut recovery time by up to 30 % compared with previous winter events.
3. Economic savings: Minimising flight disruptions protects airline revenue; the DGAC estimates a €5 million saving for French carriers during this particular storm.

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Key takeaways for travelers: monitor official updates, know your rights under EU261, and be prepared for possible ground‑transport alternatives. airport authorities continue to work round‑the‑clock to restore full service, and the Ministry of Transport urges all passengers to stay vigilant until the snowstorm fully clears.