Hundreds of flights were canceled across Western Europe as a significant cold snap brought heavy snowfall and icy conditions, causing widespread travel chaos. The disruptions affected air travel, Eurostar train services, and road haulage, impacting international travel and commerce.

Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam, a major European transport hub, canceled more than 700 flights on Wednesday. In France, the civil aviation authority requested airlines to reduce operations by 40% at Paris's primary international airport. The severe weather has also resulted in fatalities, with at least six people reported dead in weather-related incidents across Europe this week; five in France and one in Bosnia.

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," noting that over 1,000 travelers were stranded at the airport overnight. According to Donker, several hundred beds were set up both before and after security checkpoints, and food and drinks were provided to assist stranded passengers. He cautioned that the disruption would likely have knock-on effects, leading to further delays and cancellations in the coming days.

The current freeze highlights the vulnerability of Europe's transportation infrastructure to extreme weather events. The continent, while accustomed to seasonal variations, has seen an increase in the frequency and intensity of disruptive weather patterns, a trend many attribute to broader climate change. The reliance on air travel for both business and tourism makes flight cancellations particularly impactful, affecting not only individual travelers but also supply chains and international business operations.

The situation at Schiphol also underscores the logistical challenges faced by major airports in maintaining operations during severe winter weather. De-icing fluid is a critical resource, and its availability can be affected by supply chain disruptions and the intensity and duration of cold spells. The provision of accommodation and support for stranded passengers is also a significant undertaking, requiring coordination between airport authorities, airlines, and local emergency services.

As of late Wednesday, authorities were working to clear runways and replenish de-icing fluid supplies. Airlines are advising passengers to check the status of their flights before traveling to the airport and to expect potential delays and cancellations to continue in the short term. The long-term impact on travel schedules and the broader economy remains to be seen, but the current disruptions serve as a reminder of the challenges posed by extreme weather in an interconnected world.