This article is based on an official press release from KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and operational updates from Schiphol Airport.

KLM Cancels Hundreds of Flights as De-Icing Shortage and Winter Storms Paralyze Schiphol

A severe winter storm system combined with a critical supply chain failure has forced KLM Royal Dutch Airlines to cancel approximately 600 flights scheduled for Wednesday, January 7, 2026. The disruption, which began earlier in the week, has left thousands of passengers stranded at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) as the airline struggles to secure enough aircraft de-icing fluid to maintain operations.

According to official updates from the airline, the cancellations are a preemptive measure to prevent further chaos at the airport, where runway capacity is already reduced due to heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures. The crisis highlights a significant vulnerability in aviation logistics, as the very weather causing the delays is also preventing the delivery of essential supplies.

The “Perfect Storm”: Weather and Supply Chain Failure

While winter weather is a standard challenge for European aviation, the current situation at Schiphol is being driven by a specific shortage of glycol, the chemical agent used to de-ice aircraft wings and fuselage. In a statement released on January 6, KLM acknowledged that their supplier in Germany was unable to guarantee timely delivery of the fluid due to the widespread impact of the storm system across Northwest Europe.

To maintain even a reduced schedule, KLM reports it is currently consuming approximately 85,000 liters of de-icing fluid daily. With 25 de-icing trucks operating 24/7, the airline is burning through reserves faster than they can be replenished. In an effort to mitigate the shortage, KLM has deployed its own trucks to Germany to collect the fluid directly, though road conditions remain treacherous.

“We are working tirelessly to manage this fluid shortage, but with the persistent snowstorm and strong winds, our resources are stretched. Our supplier in Germany has informed us that they cannot guarantee timely replenishment.”

, KLM Spokesperson

Distinction in Responsibilities

It is important to note the distinction between airport and airline responsibilities during this crisis. Schiphol Airport authorities have clarified that the airport itself has an ample supply of runway de-icing fluid and snow-clearing equipment. The bottleneck is specifically related to aircraft de-icing fluid, which is the operational responsibility of individual airlines, in this case, KLM.

Operational Impact and Passenger Disruption

The scale of the disruption has effectively paralyzed much of the network connected to Amsterdam. Following a difficult weekend where Schiphol was identified as the “world’s most disrupted airport,” the situation deteriorated on Tuesday, January 6, with nearly half of all departures canceled. The cancellation of 600 flights on Wednesday represents a significant portion of KLM’s daily capacity.

Ground Transport Meltdown

Compounding the misery for travelers, the ground infrastructure in the Netherlands has also buckled under the freezing conditions. On January 6, the Dutch rail network (NS) suffered what was described as a “meltdown” due to frozen switches and IT outages, leaving the airport unreachable by train for several hours.

As of January 7, Dutch Railways is operating a reduced “winter timetable.” Travelers attempting to reach Schiphol or leave the airport should expect overcrowding and fewer Intercity and Sprinter services. The Dutch Infrastructure Agency (Rijkswaterstaat) has urged the public to work from home to keep roads clear for emergency services and essential transport.

Stranded Passengers

With rebooking options scarce due to the high volume of cancellations, thousands of passengers have been left stranded. On the night of January 6, camp beds were deployed in the departure halls for travelers unable to secure hotel accommodation. KLM has warned that rebooking may take several days as flights remain fully booked or canceled.

AirPro News Analysis

The Vulnerability of Just-in-Time Logistics

This event serves as a stark case study on the fragility of “Just-in-Time” (JIT) supply chains in the aviation sector. Airlines often minimize on-site storage of chemicals like glycol to reduce costs, relying on steady shipments from suppliers. However, when a weather event is severe enough to require maximum usage of de-icing fluid while simultaneously blocking the road and rail networks needed to deliver that fluid, the system faces a cascading failure.

We anticipate that this operational collapse will force European carriers to re-evaluate their winter contingency planning, potentially leading to requirements for larger on-site strategic reserves of critical operational fluids at major hubs like Schiphol.

Urgent Warning: Scammers Targeting Passengers

Amid the confusion, KLM has issued an urgent warning regarding cybercriminals targeting frustrated passengers on social media. Scammers posing as “KLM Customer Support” are responding to public complaints with fake links, promising compensation or rebooking assistance.

Safety Advisory:

• Do not click on links sent by unverified accounts on X (formerly Twitter) or Facebook.
• KLM will never ask for credit card details or passwords via public social media replies.
• Only interact with verified channels or the official KLM mobile app.

Weather Outlook

The Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI) issued a Code Orange warning for Wednesday morning, predicting heavy snow accumulation of 3–7 cm and wind chills dropping between -5°C and -10°C. While snow crews at Schiphol are working around the clock to keep runways clear, the combination of low visibility and the ongoing fluid shortage suggests disruptions will likely persist through the end of the week.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are flights being canceled if the runways are clear?

While Schiphol Airport keeps runways clear, the planes themselves must be de-iced to fly safely. KLM is currently facing a shortage of the specific fluid needed to de-ice the aircraft, forcing them to ground flights.

Can I take the train to Schiphol?

Yes, but with caution. Dutch Railways (NS) is running a reduced winter timetable. Expect delays, overcrowding, and longer travel times.

What should I do if my flight is canceled?

KLM advises passengers to check their flight status via the official website or app before traveling to the airport. If rebooking is necessary, do so through official channels only to avoid scams.

Sources: KLM Newsroom, Schiphol Airport, KNMI, Dutch Railways (NS).