A powerful storm, "Poela", disrupted operations at one of Europe's largest airports — Amsterdam Schiphol. On Sunday, October 25, KLM canceled 149 flights to and from Amsterdam. Other carriers also adjusted their schedules due to strong winds.
According to the Dutch outlet NH Nieuws, citing the airline, passengers on canceled flights were notified in advance and offered rebooking on the next available flights.
According to AFP estimates, Schiphol's departure board listed about 90 canceled departures, mostly to European cities including Paris, Rome, and Dublin. That figure only accounts for departures, while KLM's 149 cancellations include flights in both directions.
Why flights are being canceled at Amsterdam Airport
The disruptions were caused by storm "Poela", which brought strong westerly winds to the Netherlands.
Due to the weather conditions, some runways at Schiphol were unavailable for normal operations. As a result, the airport can handle fewer aircraft.
In addition to KLM, cancellations affected easyJet and Lufthansa flights. Incoming flights also face delays and schedule changes.
The airport authority Schiphol officially warned passengers of possible cancellations and delays on October 25, urging them to check for updates before traveling to the airport.
What passengers should do in case of cancellation or delay
Travelers flying from Amsterdam or planning to connect through Schiphol are advised to check their flight status on the official airport departures board and the airline's website.
If your flight is canceled, contact the carrier to arrange an alternative itinerary or obtain a refund.
Pay special attention to connecting itineraries. If both flights are on a single booking, and the first leg is canceled, the airline must offer options to continue your journey in accordance with applicable regulations.
If tickets were purchased separately, a missed connection may create additional complexity, as each flight is considered a separate booking.
Can you get compensation for a canceled flight
Under European air passenger rights rules, when a flight is canceled, you may choose between a refund or an alternative flight.
If the wait becomes prolonged, the carrier must also provide assistance such as meals, refreshments, and, if necessary, overnight accommodation and transport to it.
However, a severe storm may qualify as extraordinary circumstances. In that case, additional monetary compensation may not be payable if the airline can prove that the cancellation could not have been avoided even if all reasonable measures had been taken.
Nevertheless, the right to a refund or rerouting, as well as the necessary assistance, remains.
The exact time for full recovery of Schiphol's schedule has not been announced yet. The number of cancellations may change during the day, so passengers should check carrier notifications just before leaving for the airport.
Sources: NH Nieuws / ANP — KLM announcement of 149 canceled flights, October 25, 2026; Schiphol Airport — official warning; AFP / RTL Today; European Union — air passenger rights.
