Flights cancelled in Paris: Snow paralyzes Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports
On Wednesday, the French capital, Paris, and its suburbs witnessed widespread disruptions to air and land transport, as a result of a wave of snow and ice that the French meteorological service described as a "rare phenomenon," prompting urgent precautionary measures that affected the travel schedules of hundreds of thousands of passengers.
Widespread flight cancellations
French Transport Minister Philippe Tabarrou announced on CNews television that approximately 100 flights had been canceled at Roissy-Charles de Gaulle Airport, France's main air gateway, in addition to 40 cancellations at Orly Airport. These decisions were made in response to heavy snowfall and ice formation on the runways, posing a significant risk to safe takeoffs and landings.
The minister noted that these cancellations were expected and scheduled since the previous day as a proactive measure to avoid chaos inside the airport terminals, expressing his hope that "the situation will return to normal this afternoon," as maintenance teams continue to work on removing ice and securing the runways.
A rare weather phenomenon and high alert
The French meteorological service explained that what the country is experiencing, particularly in the north and west, is a rare occurrence under the current weather conditions for this season. Authorities have placed 38 out of 96 departments on the mainland on high alert for heavy snowfall and the risk of icy conditions.
Reports recorded snow accumulations ranging from three to seven centimeters in a short period of time, accompanied by a cold wave described as "unusually severe," further complicating transport and logistics operations in one of Europe's busiest capitals.
Extended effects of land transport and a regrettable outcome
The severe weather not only affected air traffic but also the public transport network in Paris and its suburbs. Public buses were completely shut down due to treacherous icy roads, while most metro and suburban rail systems continued to operate to ensure a minimum level of mobility for residents, according to transport officials.
In a related development, French authorities urged residents of the Paris region to exercise extreme caution, avoid unnecessary travel, and work from home if possible, to reduce pressure on road networks and ensure public safety. These warnings come amid a tragic toll of six people who have died in separate weather-related incidents across France during the severe cold wave sweeping Europe this winter, highlighting the seriousness of the current situation.
