- Flight Disruptions
- Weather disrupts flights at Charles de Gaulle; DGAC limits capacity
Weather disrupts flights at Charles de Gaulle; DGAC limits capacity
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By Alice Mariscotti-Wyatt
Last updated on 16 March 2026
142
Affected flights
1
Affected airports
17
Affected airlines
What Happened
Winter weather across northern France has disrupted operations at Charles de Gaulle, leading to flight delays and cancellations, especially around Terminals 2E and 2F. The DGAC imposed flow restrictions to manage safety and capacity, slowing schedules. Airlines including Air France, El Al, Emirates, Etihad, and others reported varying impacts. Aéroports de Paris is clearing runways and adding staff, while passengers are advised to monitor airline updates, arrive early, and use rebooking or refund options under EU rights. Further weather systems may prolong operational strain.
Flight Disruption Details
Winter weather across northern France has disrupted operations at Charles de Gaulle, where data indicate 131 flights were delayed and 11 canceled across its terminals this week. The impact was most visible around Terminals 2E and 2F, with long queues for rebooking and information. To manage safety and capacity during snowfall, strong winds, and icy conditions, France’s civil aviation authority (DGAC) implemented flow restrictions and asked airlines to trim schedules, which slowed operations and contributed to knock-on delays.
Airline impacts varied. Reported figures include: Air France with seven cancellations and 73 delays; El Al with six cancellations; Emirates with four cancellations and additional delays; Etihad Airways with four cancellations and two delays; Qatar Airways with three cancellations; SAS with two cancellations and one delay; Gulf Air with two cancellations; SriLankan Airlines with one cancellation and one delay; and British Airways with one delay. Other carriers, including Air Baltic, Air China, China Eastern, Hainan Airlines, Lufthansa Cityline, Cathay Pacific, Air Algerie, and Delta Air Lines, saw delays with few or no cancellations.
On the ground, de-icing extended aircraft turnarounds and constrained flight movements, while crew scheduling and ground handling faced added pressure. Many travelers experienced extended waits at gates and service desks as airlines worked to rebook disrupted itineraries across Europe, North America, and Asia.
Aéroports de Paris said it is focused on restoring normal operations, prioritizing continuous runway clearance and deploying extra staff to support passengers. Authorities advised travelers to monitor airline communications and flight boards, arrive early, and use rebooking or refund options available under EU passenger rights. Passengers who incur expenses for meals or accommodation were encouraged to keep receipts.
Forecasts suggest additional weather systems could challenge northern France’s airports in the coming days. With demand elevated and operational pressures persisting, flexible scheduling and timely communication will be critical as airlines and the airport work to stabilize operations.
Know your rights
These are your air passenger rights
When your flight's disrupted, you may be entitled to various forms of care and compensation under EC 261 and other applicable laws.
Rerouting or refund
If your flight is canceled, your airline must provide an alternative. You may also get a full refund if you no longer wish to travel.
Care and assistance
Your airline must provide food and refreshments if your journey is delayed more than a few hours.
Accommodation
If you are away from home and your journey is delayed overnight, the airline must offer you accommodation and transportation to it.
Communication
Under EC 261 you are entitled to 2 phone calls or emails if your journey is delayed over 1 hour. No compensation when a disruption is caused by extraordinary circumstances, as this appears to be.
This advice is provided to help you if your flight is delayed or canceled. However, the exact care and compensation you are entitled to will depend on your specific circumstances and flight. Always follow the directions of your airline, particularly with regard to check-in and boarding times.
Quick facts
Summary
Disruption
Delays and Cancellations
Cause
Weather issue
Status
Current disruption
Compensation
Not eligible for compensation
Flights affected
142
Airlines affected
Air France, El Al, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, SAS, Gulf Air, SriLankan Airlines, British Airways, Air Baltic, Air China, China Eastern, Hainan Airlines, Lufthansa Cityline, Cathay Pacific, Air Algerie, Delta Air Lines
Airports affected
Charles de Gaulle Airport
Checked by
Alice Mariscotti-Wyatt
Date updated
16 March 2026
What To Do If Your Flight Is Cancelled
If you’re traveling to or from the European Union, here’s what to do when your flight is unexpectedly scrubbed:
Collect proof that your flight was cancelled, e.g. boarding pass, vouchers and any other travel documents.
Get the airline to provide written confirmation of the cancellation and reasons behind it.
Request an alternate flight to your destination - or a refund.
Make a note of the arrival time at your destination.
Ask the airline to pay for your meals and refreshments.
Don't sign anything or accept any offers that may waive your rights.
Get the airline to provide you with a hotel room, if needed.
Keep your receipts if your cancelled flight ends up costing you extra money.
