Hundreds of flights were cancelled across western Europe as a significant cold snap brought heavy snowfall and icy conditions, causing widespread travel disruption. The aviation sector was particularly affected, with major transport hubs experiencing significant operational challenges.

More than 700 flights were cancelled at Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam on Wednesday, a key international transit point. In France, the civil aviation authority requested airlines to reduce their flight schedules by 40% at Charles de Gaulle Airport, Paris's primary international airport. Eurostar services and road haulage also faced considerable delays.

The severe weather has tragically resulted in at least six fatalities across the continent this week, with five deaths reported in France and one in Bosnia, all attributed to weather-related incidents.

KLM, the Dutch national airline, issued a warning that Schiphol Airport was nearing depletion of its de-icing fluid reserves after several days of sub-freezing temperatures. Stephan Donker, a spokesperson for the airline, described the situation as "exceptional" to Reuters news agency, noting that over 1,000 travelers were stranded overnight at the airport. According to Donker, provisions were made for the stranded passengers, including the provision of several hundred beds both before and after security checkpoints, along with food and beverages. He also cautioned about the potential for cascading effects from the disruption, anticipating further delays and cancellations in the coming days.

The disruption highlights the vulnerability of modern transportation infrastructure to extreme weather events, a challenge faced by nations globally. Western Europe, while generally well-equipped to handle winter conditions, has seen infrastructure strained by the intensity and duration of this cold spell. The situation also raises questions about preparedness and resource management at major airports during such events. The ripple effects of these cancellations are expected to impact travel schedules for days to come, affecting both business and leisure travelers internationally.