European airlines cancel hundreds of flights as heavy snow worsens

Hundreds of flights were canceled at major European hubs and rail and road travel was disrupted as a cold snap brought heavy snow; authorities warned conditions could worsen.

Airlines across Europe canceled hundreds of flights as heavy snowfall and a deepening cold snap disrupted travel. Authorities in the Netherlands warned people to stay at home ahead of a fresh blizzard. French officials said major reductions were ordered at Paris's main airports. Rail and road services were affected in several countries. Key facts: - Officials warned of a worsening cold snap and fresh blizzard conditions in parts of Europe. - French authorities announced cancellations of at least 40% of flights at Charles de Gaulle and about 25% at Orly, and Amsterdam's Schiphol airport reported more than 400 cancellations before KLM announced an additional 600 planned cancellations. - The Netherlands suspended domestic rail services after an IT outage, and high-speed services from Amsterdam to Paris were canceled or delayed. - Reports said severe road disruption and accidents occurred in France with at least five deaths reported, and heavy snow and flooding affected parts of the Western Balkans, including a reported death in Sarajevo. Summary: Travel across multiple European countries was widely disrupted, affecting flights, trains and roads. Officials said the cold snap was expected to worsen and further disruptions were likely. Undetermined at this time.