- Flight Disruptions
- Winter storm prompts flight cuts at Paris Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports
Winter storm prompts flight cuts at Paris Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports
Check how much the airline owes you.
It's free and takes 2 minutes.
Checked by Alice Mariscotti-Wyatt
Last updated on 16 February 2026
What Happened
A winter storm on 15 February 2026 led France’s Civil Aviation Authority to cut flights at Paris’s Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports. About one‑third of Charles de Gaulle services between 07:00–16:00 and one‑fifth at Orly between 06:00–14:00 were canceled. Short‑ and medium‑haul routes were most affected as extended de‑icing added 20–40 minutes to turnarounds. An orange alert was issued for Île‑de‑France, and early cancellations hit links with Nice, Toulouse, and Lyon. Rerouting or refunds apply under EC 261/2004, though compensation is not guaranteed due to extraordinary weather circumstances.
Flight Disruption Details
A rapid winter storm over northern France on 15 February 2026 led the French Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC) to order substantial flight reductions at Paris’s two main airports. At Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), approximately one‑third of flights scheduled between 07:00 and 16:00 were canceled. At Paris Orly Airport (ORY), roughly one‑fifth of services planned between 06:00 and 14:00 were canceled. The measures focused largely on short‑ and medium‑haul operations.
Authorities acted to ease apron congestion caused by prolonged de‑icing procedures. De‑icing added around 20 to 40 minutes to aircraft turnaround times, contributing to operational delays and prompting cancellations to stabilize schedules.
Météo‑France issued an orange alert for Île‑de‑France, citing snow and ice accumulations of 1–3 cm and up to 5 cm in areas including Yvelines and Seine‑et‑Marne. The adverse weather affected travel beyond the airports. Early cancellations were reported on connections between Paris and cities such as Nice, Toulouse, and Lyon. On roads, regional authorities reduced motorway speed limits and temporarily banned overtaking by heavy goods vehicles. Long‑distance rail services operated, with advisories about possible disruptions to suburban buses and local trams.
Passengers affected by cancellations are protected under EU Regulation 261/2004, which says they must be offered options for rerouting or refunds. Because the cause was adverse weather classified as “extraordinary circumstances,” financial compensation cannot be guaranteed.
Airport operator Groupe ADP indicated that preventive steps taken during the storm should help avoid a repeat of more extensive disruption seen earlier in the year. Forecasts later in the day pointed to rising temperatures and rain, which were expected to melt remaining snow and support a gradual return to normal operations through the night.
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
Past disruption
Compensation
Not eligible for compensation
Airports affected
Charles de Gaulle Airport, Orly Airport
Cities affected
Paris
Countries affected
France
Start date
2026-02-15
Checked by
Alice Mariscotti-Wyatt
Date updated
16 February 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:
Gather evidence that your flight was delayed, cancelled, or overbooked.
Get the airline to provide written confirmation of the disruption and the reason behind it.
Request an alternative flight to your destination — or a refund if you no longer wish to travel.
Make a note of the arrival time at your final destination.
Ask the airline to provide vouchers for meals and refreshments.
Avoid signing documents or accepting offers that may waive your passenger rights.
If an overnight stay is required, ask the airline to provide accommodation.
Save receipts for any additional expenses caused by the disruption.
