Deadly Snowfall Disrupts Travel Across Europe
Severe snowfall and icy weather have caused widespread disruption across Europe, leaving at least six people dead and forcing the cancellation of hundreds of flights. Authorities warn that travel problems are likely to continue into Wednesday.
Officials confirmed that five people died in France due to dangerous road conditions, while one woman lost her life in Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, after heavy snow hit the city.
Fatal Accidents in France
In France, authorities reported three deaths in the Landes region in the south-west. Black ice caused two separate road accidents, making driving conditions extremely hazardous.
Meanwhile, two additional fatalities occurred in the Paris region. In one case, a car collided with a heavy goods vehicle in eastern Paris. In another incident, a taxi driver lost control of the vehicle, struck a curb, and plunged into the Marne River due to slippery roads.
As weather conditions worsened, officials urged motorists to avoid unnecessary travel.
Balkans Hit by Heavy Snow
The Balkans also faced severe winter weather, with snow and heavy rain affecting several areas. In Sarajevo, a woman died after a tree collapsed under the weight of wet snow, according to police.
Meteorologists reported that the city received up to 40 centimetres of snowfall, worsening safety risks across urban areas.
Flights Cancelled and Airports Overcrowded
Across Europe, winter storms caused major air travel disruption. Thousands of passengers were left stranded at airports in Paris and Amsterdam as airlines cancelled large numbers of flights.
In France, Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot warned that more snow would fall overnight and into Wednesday. He advised people to work from home where possible and to limit road travel.
France’s national weather service placed 38 districts under an orange alert for snow and black ice. As a result, rail operators cancelled numerous train services.
Major Disruption at European Airports
Paris’s Charles de Gaulle Airport announced it would cancel 40% of flights for several hours on Wednesday morning to allow crews to clear snow from runways. Meanwhile, Orly Airport planned to suspend 25% of scheduled flights during the same period.
In the Netherlands, Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport cancelled more than 400 flights on Wednesday alone. Hundreds of travellers faced long delays, missed connections, and extended queues at airline counters as they waited for updates.
Airport officials warned that delays could continue as crews worked to restore normal operations.
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