Storm Darragh is wreaking havoc across Europe, with Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam experiencing severe travel disruptions as strong winds continue to batter the region. Passengers are being advised to prepare for delays and cancellations throughout the day, as the storm has already grounded flights and impacted airport operations.
As of Friday morning, 135 flights were cancelled, and a further 275 flights have been delayed, according to FlightAware. With the weather conditions showing no signs of improvement, further cancellations are expected throughout the afternoon and evening. Major airlines, including KLM, British Airways, Air France, Vueling, and Lufthansa, have been heavily affected, with KLM, the largest carrier at Schiphol, cancelling over 90 flights alone. These cancellations make up approximately 15% of the airport’s scheduled flights for the day.
Schiphol’s website shows that most departures and arrivals are either delayed by at least one hour or outright cancelled. The airport has urged passengers to factor in the possibility of further disruptions and to stay updated with their flight status. While the airport terminals remain relatively calm, those planning to travel to Schiphol should be prepared for difficulties, as the storm is also affecting road and rail networks across the region.
The Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute has issued warnings for debris and fallen trees due to wind gusts ranging from 75-90 km/h. Additionally, drivers heading to the airport face further challenges, as a junction on the A10 south motorway will be closed until Monday morning. Travelers are being advised to allow extra time for their journey.
The storm’s impact is not confined to the Netherlands. Storm Darragh is expected to reach the UK later today, with the UK’s MET Office upgrading its weather warning to a rare red alert. This warning, which covers southwest England and Wales, is in effect from 15:00 GMT on Friday until early Sunday. The red warning indicates a “risk to life,” with strong winds and potential flooding likely to disrupt roads, bridges, railways, and airports.
In response, the British low-cost airline Jet2.com has cautioned passengers to anticipate potential disruption and advised travelers to allow extra time for their journey and check-in.
For those affected by flight cancellations, travel insurance may provide compensation for weather-related disruptions, but policies vary. Passengers are urged to check their terms and conditions to understand what is covered. If a flight is cancelled by the airline due to the storm, travelers will typically be offered a replacement flight or a refund. However, those who choose to cancel their trip independently may not be entitled to a refund, as there are no current travel advisories against visiting Amsterdam.
