Heavy snow and treacherous ice brought by Storm Goretti have plunged Western Europe’s transport networks into fresh turmoil, with Eurostar cancelling services and hundreds of flights grounded across major hubs in France, Belgium and the Netherlands.

Travelers have been urged to postpone non essential journeys as airports, rail operators and road authorities struggle to keep routes open amid continuing subzero conditions.

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Eurostar Cancellations Hit Cross-Channel and Continental Routes

Eurostar services linking London with Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam have been severely disrupted as Storm Goretti’s snow and ice compound existing operational constraints on the high-speed network.

The operator has confirmed multiple cancellations across its timetable between January 5 and early February, citing a combination of adverse weather, reduced capacity at key terminals and restrictions on the wider European rail network.

On January 5 and 6, six trains between London St Pancras and Paris Gare du Nord were cancelled outright, while many others were delayed, leaving passengers facing long queues at terminals and crowded concourses as they sought alternative departures.

Services between London and the Netherlands have been particularly affected, with Eurostar suspending traffic beyond Brussels for much of this week because of deteriorating weather conditions and rail disruption in the Amsterdam region.

Live service alerts advised travelers not to travel to stations unless their train was confirmed as running, and to postpone non essential journeys where possible.

The combination of snow on tracks, frozen switches and speed restrictions in several countries has reduced available train paths, forcing Eurostar to trim its schedule even on routes that remain technically open.

The disruption comes hard on the heels of a major power outage in the Channel Tunnel over the New Year period that stranded thousands of passengers and led to the evacuation of at least one train.

While those technical problems were resolved, Storm Goretti has dealt a fresh blow to the operator’s efforts to stabilize its schedule in the key January travel window.

Hundreds of Flights Grounded as Airports Battle Snow and Ice

Air travel has been hit even harder, with hundreds of flights cancelled across Western Europe as airport operators and airlines struggle to maintain safe operations in persistent snow, ice and freezing fog.

Paris Charles de Gaulle and Amsterdam Schiphol, two of the continent’s busiest hubs, have been among the worst affected.

At Paris Charles de Gaulle, around 140 flights were cancelled on Wednesday morning alone as runways and taxiways were blanketed in snow and temperatures remained well below freezing.

A further 40 flights were reported cancelled at Orly and other French airports, as authorities prioritized de-icing of active aircraft and clearing of main runways over secondary operations.

In the Netherlands, Schiphol has endured days of disruption, with nearly 2,000 flights cancelled since the weekend and additional cancellations announced as Storm Goretti’s snow bands passed over the low countries.

Up to 600 flights were grounded on Tuesday, with several hundred more on Wednesday, affecting tens of thousands of passengers and causing knock-on delays across Europe’s aviation network.

Belgian, German and British airports have also reported waves of cancellations and delays, particularly on short-haul European routes linked to Paris, Amsterdam and Brussels.

Airlines have warned that even where flights operate, passengers should expect long queues, last-minute gate changes and significant schedule changes as aircraft and crews fall out of position.

KLM and Other Airlines Under Pressure as De-Icing Supplies Run Low

The operational challenge is being exacerbated by a growing shortage of de-icing fluid at some airports, which threatens to prolong or deepen cancellations if temperatures remain low.

Dutch flag carrier KLM has acknowledged that it is running short of the glycol-based fluid used to strip ice from aircraft surfaces at Schiphol after days of almost continuous de-icing operations.

KLM’s 25 de-icing trucks at Schiphol have reportedly been operating around the clock, using tens of thousands of liters of fluid each day as aircraft cycle through departure waves in heavy snow and freezing fog.

The airline has dispatched teams to Germany and other neighboring countries to secure additional supplies, but has warned that it cannot guarantee how long current stocks will last if the cold spell continues.

Airports across Europe are experiencing similar supply pressures as demand for de-icing outstrips normal winter planning assumptions.

While runway de-icing fluids are sourced and stored separately, the strain on aircraft de-icing stocks has forced some airlines to preemptively cancel flights rather than risk last-minute groundings once passengers have already boarded.

Operational managers note that de-icing is not only a safety-critical procedure but also time-consuming, often requiring aircraft to be towed to dedicated positions and adding significant delays to departure waves.

When combined with limited staffing and reduced runway capacity due to snow clearance, each additional de-icing cycle contributes to a rapidly compounding backlog.

Road and Rail Networks Across Western Europe Struggle to Cope

While airports have attracted most of the attention, Storm Goretti has also hit road and conventional rail travel across the United Kingdom, France, Belgium, the Netherlands and neighboring countries.

Authorities have warned drivers about black ice and drifting snow on major highways, with multiple accidents reported and several fatalities linked to hazardous conditions in France and elsewhere.

In the UK, the Met Office has issued a series of yellow and amber warnings for snow, ice and strong winds, highlighting a danger to life in exposed areas.

Scotland and northern England have been particularly affected, with snow depths exceeding 50 centimeters in parts of the Highlands and several key trunk roads temporarily closed for clearance and safety checks.

Rail operators in Britain have deployed snowplough trains on key routes, especially in Scotland, and have urged passengers to check live service information before travelling.

Speed restrictions, frozen points and power supply issues have combined to reduce capacity on both intercity and commuter lines, with knock-on delays reaching into major urban centers such as London, Glasgow and Edinburgh.

In the Netherlands, the national rail operator has operated a heavily reduced timetable around Amsterdam and other major nodes after frozen switches and a software glitch disrupted operations earlier in the week.

With many routes still affected by snow and ice, passengers have been told to travel only if necessary and to expect crowded trains and longer journey times where services do run.

Human Impact: Stranded Travelers and Safety Concerns

The human impact of Storm Goretti’s transport disruption has been felt most acutely by travelers stranded in terminals, on platforms and at roadside service areas as journeys unravel.

At Paris Charles de Gaulle and Amsterdam Schiphol, images show passengers sleeping on seats or queuing for hours at rebooking desks as airlines struggle to accommodate disrupted itineraries.

Families returning from school holidays or winter breaks have found themselves forced to extend hotel stays or seek last-minute accommodation when evening flights are cancelled, often at their own expense.

Business travelers and those connecting to long-haul services have in some cases missed onward flights, with limited alternative options available as airlines trim schedules and restrict rebookings on already full departures.

Authorities have also highlighted the growing safety risks posed by the persistent cold snap. In France, at least several deaths have been linked to road accidents on snow-covered or icy highways, particularly in the Landes region and around Paris.

Emergency services have urged drivers to slow down, maintain greater distances and avoid non essential travel, warning that rescue vehicles may themselves struggle to reach incident sites in heavy snow.

In urban areas, the combination of icy pavements and reduced public transport has led to an uptick in slips, falls and minor injuries, particularly among older residents.

Municipal services have been spreading grit and salt on priority routes, but shortages have been reported in some localities after repeated treatments over several days.

What Travelers Need to Do Now

Given the scale and evolving nature of the disruption, transport authorities and consumer groups are urging travelers to adopt a cautious and flexible approach over the coming days.

The first priority, they say, should be to verify whether a journey is strictly necessary and whether it can be postponed until conditions improve and schedules stabilize.

For those who must travel, the central message is to check the status of flights and trains repeatedly on the day of departure, rather than relying on information from when tickets were booked.

Schedules are being adjusted at short notice as weather bands move, de-icing resources shift and crews reach duty-time limits, so a service listed as “on time” in the morning may still be cancelled by midday.

Travel experts recommend allowing significantly more time than usual to reach airports or stations, taking into account slower road conditions and reduced public transport.

Passengers are also advised to pack essential items in their hand baggage, including prescription medication, basic toiletries, chargers, warm clothing and snacks, in case they face long delays, diversions or unexpected overnight stays.

Those whose flights or Eurostar services are cancelled should keep records of all communications and expenses, including hotel bills and alternative transport receipts, in case they are later able to claim reimbursement under airline or rail operator policies.

However, travelers should be aware that extreme weather is often classified as an extraordinary circumstance, limiting entitlement to cash compensation even where refunds and rebooking remain available.

Travel Rights and Responsibilities in Extreme Weather

Storm Goretti has once again highlighted the complex patchwork of passenger rights that apply when severe weather disrupts travel in Europe.

Under European Union regulations, as well as aligned UK rules, passengers whose flights are cancelled are generally entitled to a choice between a refund or re-routing at the earliest opportunity, regardless of the reason for the cancellation.

However, automatic cash compensation for cancellations and long delays typically does not apply where disruption is caused by extraordinary circumstances outside the airline’s control, a category that usually includes severe snow, ice and unexpected runway closures.

Similar principles apply to cross-border rail services, where operators such as Eurostar owe a duty of care to provide assistance and, in some cases, overnight accommodation, but may not be obliged to issue additional compensation when weather is the root cause.

Consumer advocates stress that travelers still have responsibilities of their own, particularly to keep contact details up to date with airlines and rail operators and to monitor official channels.

Failing to respond to rebooking offers or ignoring requests not to come to stations and terminals can make an already difficult situation worse, as crowded concourses and long queues complicate the task of managing reduced services safely.

Specialist travel insurance may offer additional protection, particularly for non refundable hotels, tours and events that are missed because of transport disruption, but policies vary widely and often include exclusions for adverse weather.

Policyholders are urged to read the small print carefully and to contact insurers as soon as it becomes clear that a trip cannot proceed as planned.

FAQ

Q1. What is Storm Goretti and which areas are most affected?
Storm Goretti is a strong winter weather system bringing heavy snowfall, ice and freezing temperatures to much of Western Europe, particularly France, Belgium, the Netherlands and parts of the United Kingdom and Germany. Its impacts include widespread travel disruption, hazardous driving conditions and school and business closures in some regions.

Q2. How are Eurostar services being affected right now?
Eurostar has cancelled multiple trains between London, Paris and Brussels and has suspended services beyond Brussels to the Netherlands on several days, citing adverse weather and operational restrictions on the wider rail network. Remaining services are running with delays and reduced capacity, and passengers are being urged to travel only if their train is confirmed as operating.

Q3. How many flights have been cancelled because of the storm?
Across several days of disruption linked to Storm Goretti and the preceding cold snap, airlines have cancelled thousands of flights in total, with several hundred grounded on a single day at major hubs such as Amsterdam Schiphol and Paris Charles de Gaulle. Exact numbers change by the hour as airlines adjust schedules in response to runway conditions and de-icing capacity.

Q4. Why are airlines cancelling flights instead of just delaying them?
Airlines cancel flights when snow and ice reduce runway capacity, when de-icing resources are overstretched or when crews and aircraft are no longer in the right place to operate safely and legally. Cancelling early can sometimes reduce chaos later in the day, since it allows airlines to concentrate limited resources on a smaller number of flights that they believe can operate reliably.

Q5. What should I do if my Eurostar train or flight is cancelled?
If your service is cancelled, do not travel to the station or airport unless specifically instructed to do so. Follow rebooking instructions from the operator, either via its app, website or customer service channels, and consider alternative travel dates if your journey is flexible. Keep records of all expenses and communications in case you are eligible for a refund or reimbursement.

Q6. Am I entitled to compensation for delays and cancellations caused by Storm Goretti?
Under EU and UK rules, you are generally entitled to a refund or re-routing if your flight is cancelled, and to assistance such as meals and accommodation in some circumstances. However, financial compensation for inconvenience is unlikely where disruption is caused by severe weather, since this is usually considered an extraordinary circumstance outside the carrier’s control.

Q7. How long is the disruption expected to last?
Meteorological agencies forecast that snow and subzero temperatures will persist in parts of Western Europe for at least several more days, meaning further disruption is likely even as operators work to clear backlogs. Conditions can change quickly, so travelers should monitor forecasts and official travel updates closely in the run up to any planned journey.

Q8. Is it safer to switch from flying to rail or road during the storm?
No mode of transport is immune to the effects of heavy snow and ice. While some travelers may find limited rail options more reliable than short-haul flights on particular routes, high-speed trains, regional rail and roads are all experiencing disruption and, in some cases, closures. The safest choice is often to postpone non essential travel until the worst of the weather has passed.

Q9. What practical steps can I take to prepare if I still need to travel?
If travel is unavoidable, allow extra time to reach your departure point, check live status updates repeatedly, dress warmly and pack essential items in your hand baggage, including medication, snacks and phone chargers. Make sure you have contact details for your airline, rail operator and accommodation, and have a backup plan in case you are forced to stay overnight.

Q10. Where can I find the most reliable updates on the situation?
The most reliable information will come directly from transport operators, national rail and aviation authorities and official meteorological services. Travelers should rely on airline and rail apps, verified social media accounts and official announcements, and should be cautious about third-party messages or unsolicited contacts offering rebookings or refunds, which may be scams.