- Flight Disruptions
- Europe flight disruption on Feb 5: 2,219 delays and 39 cancellations; Ryanair and Aer Lingus affected
Europe flight disruption on Feb 5: 2,219 delays and 39 cancellations; Ryanair and Aer Lingus affected
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Checked by Matteo Floris
Last updated on February 9, 2026
2,258
Affected flights
4
Affected airports
2
Affected airlines
What Happened
On 5 February, Europe-wide flight operations were hit by winter weather and staffing shortages, resulting in 2,219 delayed departures and 39 cancellations. Ryanair and Aer Lingus were among the most affected carriers. Disruptions were concentrated around major hubs including Amsterdam Schiphol, Paris–Charles de Gaulle, and Frankfurt, with limited outright cancellations at Dublin. Average departure delays on transiting aircraft exceeded 50 minutes, and Ryanair warned knock-on effects could last up to 48 hours. Weather was expected to improve by the weekend, aiding recovery.
Passengers affected by this flight disruption may be eligible for compensation of up to US$650 under passenger rights regulations. Eligibility depends on the circumstances of the disruption.
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Flight Disruption Details
A Europe-wide disruption on 5 February led to extensive schedule issues across multiple airports due to winter weather combined with staffing shortages. In total, 2,219 departures were delayed and 39 were canceled. Ryanair and Aer Lingus were among the most affected airlines, with disruption concentrated around Amsterdam Schiphol, Paris–Charles de Gaulle, and Frankfurt. Although only a small number of flights to and from Dublin were canceled, overall punctuality deteriorated, and average departure delays for transiting aircraft exceeded 50 minutes.
Ryanair indicated that knock-on effects could continue for up to 48 hours because of tightly sequenced aircraft rotations and crew duty limits. Business travel itineraries to key European cities such as Frankfurt and Amsterdam were impacted, prompting rebookings onto next-day services. Some passengers were rerouted through alternate hubs, adding to the need for timely documentation checks during unplanned connections.
The disruption also affected cargo flows. Time-critical shipments—such as pharmaceuticals and technology components originating in Ireland—were delayed as reduced belly-hold capacity constrained uplift on passenger services. Certain consignments were rerouted via overnight trucking to Brussels for onward air carriage to maintain supply chains.
Weather conditions were forecast to improve by the weekend, supporting operational recovery. Airlines advised customers to use digital tools for real-time updates and to manage rebookings. Ryanair highlighted its app for live notifications and free date changes during the recovery period. Corporate travel managers were urged to maintain duty-of-care tracking and contingency arrangements while residual delays worked through the network.
Key details
- Date of disruption: 5 February
- Impact: 2,219 delayed departures; 39 cancellations
- Cause: Winter weather and staffing shortages
- Airlines noted: Ryanair, Aer Lingus
- Airports/hubs referenced: Amsterdam Schiphol, Paris–Charles de Gaulle, Frankfurt, Dublin
- Additional notes: Average departure delays on transiting aircraft exceeded 50 minutes; cascading delays could last up to 48 hours
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
Weather issue
Status
Past disruption
Compensation
May qualify for compensation
Flights affected
2258
Airlines affected
Ryanair, Aer Lingus
Airports affected
Amsterdam Schiphol, Paris–Charles de Gaulle, Frankfurt, Dublin
Start date
2026-02-05
Checked by
Matteo Floris
Date updated
February 9, 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.
