Paris experienced widespread disruptions to air travel on Wednesday as heavy snowfall and a severe cold snap led to the cancellation of approximately 140 flights at the city's two main airports, Charles de Gaulle and Orly. This measure was taken as a precaution to ensure passenger safety and prevent further disruption to flight schedules, amid ongoing warnings from the French meteorological service.
Details of cancellations and statements by the Minister of Transport
French Transport Minister Philippe Tabarro confirmed in an official statement that authorities were forced to cancel flights yesterday due to adverse weather conditions. He explained that the cancellations affected a specific percentage of scheduled flights at Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Paris-Orly airports, two of the busiest airports in Europe. Tabarro urged all travelers to exercise extreme caution and check the status of their flights before heading to the airports, emphasizing that safety remains the top priority in such exceptional weather conditions.
A rare climatic phenomenon with widespread effects
The French meteorological service, Météo-France, described the snowstorm as a "rare phenomenon" given the timing and current weather conditions. The service indicated that the low-pressure system's impact extends beyond the capital, affecting large areas of northern and western France, where snow accumulation and ice formation are causing significant disruptions to various modes of transportation.
Airports are known to be directly affected by low temperatures and snowfall, as aircraft require de-icing before takeoff, a time-consuming process that slows down air operations. Clearing snow from runways also requires extensive logistical efforts that can reduce the airport's capacity.
Travel tips and regional influences
In light of these circumstances, travel experts advise passengers traveling to and from Paris to follow these steps:
- Check with airlines via their official apps or websites to confirm flight status before leaving home.
- Expect delays in reaching the airport due to the impact of snow on roads and train traffic leading to airport terminals.
- Keep heating devices and phone chargers on hand in case of long waiting times inside airport terminals.
It is worth noting that Paris is a pivotal hub for global air transport, and any disruption at its airports often casts a shadow over the European and international air network, potentially causing a domino effect and delays to connecting flights at other airports.
