Storm Darragh has brought significant travel disruptions to the Netherlands, with Amsterdam Schiphol Airport at the heart of the chaos. Major airlines, including Air France, Delta, United, EasyJet, Lufthansa, and British Airways, faced widespread cancellations and delays as strong winds battered the country. According to FlightAware, 126 flights were canceled and 98 delayed, leaving thousands of passengers stranded and struggling to rearrange their plans.

Airlines Impacted by the Disruption

The storm caused widespread disruptions across a wide range of airlines operating at Schiphol. Among those affected were Air France, Delta, United Airlines, EasyJet, Lufthansa, British Airways, KLM, TUI, Aer Lingus, Air Baltic, Bulgaria Air, Swiss, Austrian Airlines, and German Airways, according to FlightRadar24. Both domestic and international routes were impacted, with delays of up to an hour and last-minute cancellations.

Schiphol Airport Struggles to Cope

Schiphol Airport struggled to maintain smooth operations amid the adverse weather. The airport issued a statement urging passengers to brace for significant delays and cancellations: “Due to strong winds caused by Storm Darragh, fewer flights are expected to take off and land today.” Terminal spaces were packed with frustrated passengers awaiting updates or looking for alternative travel options.

The ripple effects of these disruptions extended to connecting airports across Europe, causing delays for flights dependent on Schiphol’s operations.

Storm’s Impact Across the Netherlands

Storm Darragh didn’t stop at Schiphol—it created travel headaches throughout the Netherlands. The Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute warned of hazardous wind gusts, leading to delays on trains and buses and even causing road disruptions. Some regions faced power outages, further adding to the challenges for residents and businesses.

The Netherlands’ efficient infrastructure came under strain, with disruptions affecting not just travelers but also freight and logistics operations that depend on Schiphol as a critical hub.

A Warning Issued Across Devon and Cornwall Ahead of Storm Darragh

Residents of Devon and Cornwall have been urged to prepare for the arrival of Storm Darragh, with the Met Office issuing multiple weather warnings for the region. A yellow warning for strong winds is in effect from 15:00 GMT on Friday until early Sunday, covering the entire area. Additionally, an amber warning has been issued for parts of Devon and Cornwall from 03:00 to 21:00 on Saturday, forecasting gusts of up to 80mph (129kph).

Named Storm Darragh by the Irish Met Service, the storm is expected to bring hazardous conditions, prompting Cornwall Council to advise people to “avoid exposed coastal areas” to ensure safety during the peak of the storm.

How Passengers Can Manage Disruptions

With flights canceled or delayed, passengers are advised to take the following steps:

• Check Flight Statuses: Stay updated via Schiphol’s official website or airline apps.
• Consider Alternatives: Explore other travel options like trains or buses if flights are unavailable.
• Plan for Delays: Pack essentials to stay comfortable during long waits.

A Day of Travel Disruption

The impact of Storm Darragh serves as a reminder of how quickly weather events can derail even the best-laid travel plans. With 126 cancellations, 98 delays, and widespread disruption to air and ground travel, the Netherlands is working to restore normalcy. As operations at Schiphol recover, passengers are urged to remain patient and prepared for potential ongoing delays.