As of January 7, 2026, Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) is grappling with a catastrophic supply chain breakdown caused by a severe shortage of de-icing fluid. The situation has escalated to a “critical supply chain failure” compounded by extreme winter weather, leading to mass cancellations across several major European airports. Travelers heading to and from cities like London, Paris, Brussels, and beyond are experiencing unprecedented disruptions, with up to seventy per cent of flights now canceled.
What is Happening at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport?
The airport’s operational crisis stems from an acute shortage of de-icing fluid, essential for clearing aircraft wings and ensuring safe takeoff in freezing conditions. The shortage has reached emergency levels after KLM, the Dutch national carrier, reported consuming 85,000 liters of de-icing fluid per day. With its fleet of 25 de-icing vehicles running non-stop, the company has faced immense challenges securing its supplies, leading to the grounding of aircraft and mass flight cancellations.
As of January 7, 2026, more than 543 flights have been canceled, representing roughly 45% of Schiphol’s daily flight departures. Experts warn that the number of cancellations could rise to 70% by the end of the day. This crisis has not only grounded KLM flights but has also affected other international carriers using the airport, as KLM Ground Services handles de-icing for nearly all aircraft at Schiphol.
Why is There a De-Icing Fluid Shortage?
The shortage is primarily due to a logistical failure involving KLM’s main de-icing fluid supplier based in Germany. The supplier informed KLM that it could no longer guarantee the arrival of scheduled deliveries due to “extraordinary demand” for de-icing fluid across Europe and road closures caused by a severe winter storm system.
In response, KLM has taken the extraordinary step of sending its personnel and logistics teams to Germany to manually collect drums of de-icing fluid, attempting to prevent a total standstill at Schiphol. However, even with these efforts, the supply remains insufficient to meet the needs of both the KLM fleet and other airlines.
Who is Affected by the Crisis?
While KLM is at the center of the crisis, the ramifications extend far beyond its operations. Schiphol Airport serves as a major hub for several international carriers, and many travelers are stuck in a limbo of canceled flights and long delays. Travelers flying to or from Amsterdam on flights operated by KLM, Air France, Delta, and other international carriers are facing massive disruptions.
This crisis is not only affecting Schiphol-bound passengers but also travelers at other major European hubs, including London Heathrow, Paris Charles de Gaulle, and Brussels Airport. The critical shortage of de-icing fluid has severely impacted the ability of these airports to maintain safe flight schedules.
When Will the Crisis End?
The de-icing fluid crisis at Schiphol is ongoing, and the impact on air travel is expected to continue until sufficient supplies are restored. While KLM and airport authorities are working tirelessly to secure additional supplies, the winter storm and logistical challenges are making it difficult to resolve the situation quickly.
Eurocontrol, Europe’s air navigation service provider, has warned that the situation could persist for several days, with the possibility of further flight cancellations and delays. Passengers are advised to stay in close contact with their airlines and monitor any changes to their travel plans.
What Are the Alternatives for Affected Travelers?
Given the widespread flight cancellations, many travelers are considering alternative travel options, including trains and buses. However, Europe’s rail network is also feeling the strain, with significant delays on international routes such as Eurostar and Thalys, and domestic services across the Netherlands are running at reduced frequencies.
- Eurostar and Thalys Trains (Amsterdam to London, Paris, Brussels): While most services are running, there are delays of 30–60 minutes, and some trains have been canceled due to the weather.
- NS Dutch Domestic Railways: Domestic trains are running on a reduced timetable, with only two trains per hour on major routes.
It is important for passengers to consider these alternatives early, as tickets are in high demand, and rail services are expected to be extremely crowded.
What Are Airlines Offering to Affected Passengers?
KLM has activated its special “Travel Policy for Schiphol Weather,” which outlines the compensation, rebooking, and refund options for passengers affected by the crisis.
- Rebooking Policy: Passengers can rebook their flights free of charge, with no fare difference for those traveling in the same class. Changes to destination or origin are also allowed, though any price difference will apply.
- Refund Policy: Passengers whose flights are canceled or delayed by more than 3 hours are entitled to a full refund for unused portions of their tickets.
- Duty of Care: KLM is providing meal vouchers, hotel accommodation, and transport for stranded passengers. However, due to the high demand for hotel rooms around Schiphol, passengers may need to book their own accommodations and request reimbursement from the airline.
Key Statistics and Impact Overview (January 7, 2026)
| Metric | Verified Value |
|---|---|
| Total Cancellations | 543 (Approx. 45% of daily total) |
| Daily Fluid Usage | 85,000 Liters |
| Active De-Icing Fleet | 25 Vehicles (100% deployment) |
| Rebooking Wait Time | 48–72 hours (estimate) |
| Projected Cancellations Today | 70% (Eurocontrol and KLM warning) |
| Hotel Availability | 100% Occupied in Schiphol Area |
What Does the Dutch Government Say About the Crisis?
The Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure has labeled the situation as “unprecedented” and is working with the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee to prioritize road-bound shipments of de-icing fluid. However, despite these efforts, the supply chain failure continues to impact Schiphol’s operations.
Schiphol Airport has also advised passengers whose flights have been canceled to leave the terminal immediately to prevent overcrowding. Officials clarified that while runway de-icing fluid is available, it cannot be used on aircraft wings due to the risk of damage.
How Can Passengers Claim Compensation?
Passengers affected by cancellations or delays can claim compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004, though due to the extraordinary circumstances of weather and supply chain failure, fixed monetary compensation (such as €250–€600) may not be applicable.
To file a claim for reimbursement of hotel, meal, and transport expenses, passengers should use the KLM Online Claim Form and include itemized receipts.
Conclusion: The Ongoing Crisis at Schiphol Airport
The de-icing fluid shortage at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is one of the most severe travel disruptions in recent years, with tens of thousands of passengers affected. The situation is compounded by extreme weather, logistical failures, and supply chain bottlenecks, creating a perfect storm of travel chaos across Europe.
Passengers traveling through Amsterdam, London, Paris, and Brussels are advised to check their flight status regularly, explore alternative transport options like trains, and stay in close communication with their airlines to navigate the ongoing disruptions.
Image: Amsterdam Schiphol Airport
The post BREAKING TRAVEL ALERT: Amsterdam Joins London, Paris, and Brussels in the European Airport Mayhem with De-Icing Fluid Crisis Forcing Seventy Per Cent Flight Cancellations at Schiphol Amid Severe Storms appeared first on Travel And Tour World.
