Snowstorm Devastation: Six Lives Lost and Flights Grounded Across Europe

Thu Jan 08 2026 11:04:04 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A severe snowstorm has wreaked havoc on travel across Europe, claiming six lives and leading to the cancellation of hundreds of flights. Authorities are urging caution as more disruptive weather is expected.

A harsh snowfall across Europe has resulted in six deaths and significant travel chaos. With hundreds of flights cancelled and thousands stranded in airports, authorities are advising minimal travel as adverse weather conditions persist. France and Bosnia have been particularly hard hit by the severe weather, with increasing snowfall predicted in the coming days.

Intense snowfall and icy weather conditions have caused widespread travel disruption across Europe, with six reported killed in weather-related incidents on the continent.

Five people died in two separate regions of France due to treacherous driving conditions, while a woman was killed in Sarajevo, Bosnia, where 16 inches (40 cm) of snow fell.

Hundreds of flights have been cancelled across Europe, leaving thousands stranded at airports in Paris and Amsterdam, with further disruptions expected into Wednesday.

In France, three died in the Landes region from black ice incidents, and others were victims of road accidents involving heavy vehicles. In Bosnia, a woman lost her life when a tree collapsed due to snow weight.

Authorities have warned of more snow coming, with 38 districts in France on orange alert for snow and ice. Major disruptions are predicted at airports like Roissy-Charles de Gaulle and Orly, where significant flight cancellations are anticipated to facilitate snow clearing efforts.

Amsterdam's Schiphol airport has seen over 400 flights cancelled, causing chaos as travelers reported long lines and delays, attributing the situation to a shortage of de-icing fluid. Complaints about the management of the situation have been voiced by passengers caught in the turmoil.

Compounding issues, Dutch rail services faced interruptions due to an IT outage, causing further delays for travelers returning home amidst the abysmal weather.